Vladimir Salnikov

Vladimir Valeryevich Salnikov (; born 21 May 1960) is a Russian former freestyle swimmer who set 12 world records in the 400, 800 and 1,500 metre events. Nicknamed the "Tsar of the Pool", "Monster of the Waves" and "Leningrad Express", he was the first person to swim under fifteen minutes in the 1500 m freestyle and also the first person to swim under eight minutes in the 800 m freestyle. He was named the Male World Swimmer of the Year in 1979 and 1982 by Swimming World. Career Born in Leningrad, Salnikov was the son of a sea captain. When he was seven years old, his mother took him to a swimming pool to join a swimming team. One year later he began training regularly under the lead of his coach. Salnikov trained at Zenit and later at the Armed Forces sports society. Salnikov made his debut at the Olympic Games in 1976 in Montreal, at the age of 16. He broke the European record in the 1,500 m, but finished fifth.