Aleksandr Berkutov

Aleksandr Nikolaevich Berkutov (21 May 1933 to 7 November 2012) was a Russian rower, representing the Soviet Union, whose best results came in the double sculls with his partner Yuriy Tyukalov. Together they won five consecutive European titles from 1956 to 1961, the Henley Royal Regatta in 1957 and 1958, Soviet titles in 1957 and 1961, an Olympic gold medal in 1956 and an Olympic silver medal in 1960. Berkutov began as a single sculler and won the Soviet title in 1954 and a bronze medal at the European Championships, then moved to the double when the young Vyacheslav Ivanov began to dominate the single scull. He retired in 1961 to become a rowing coach, replaced Tyukalov as head coach of the Soviet national team in 1972, and from 1990 until his death lectured at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism.