# Pyotr Bolotnikov

> Soviet long-distance runner (1930-2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q249610](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q249610)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyotr_Bolotnikov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pyotr-bolotnikov

## Summary
Pyotr Bolotnikov was a Soviet long-distance runner (1930–2013) renowned for his achievements in athletics during the mid-20th century. As a prominent competitor in long-distance events, he represented the Soviet Union in international competitions and earned multiple state honors, including the Order of Lenin and the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 8, 1930
- **Died:** December 20, 2013
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union (later Russia)
- **Occupation:** Long-distance runner, athletics competitor
- **Known for:** Competing in long-distance running events (over 3000 meters) and representing the Soviet Union in international athletics
- **Field(s):** Athletics (track and field, long-distance running)
- **Awards:** Order of Lenin, Order of Friendship of Peoples, Order of Honour, Medal "In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow," Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR, Honorary Citizen of Mordovia

## Contributions
Pyotr Bolotnikov made significant contributions to Soviet athletics as a long-distance runner, competing in events exceeding 3000 meters. His career spanned from 1956 to 1965, during which he achieved notable success in national and international competitions. Bolotnikov's performances earned him prestigious state awards, including the Order of Lenin (the highest Soviet decoration) and the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR, recognizing his excellence in athletics. Additionally, he was honored with the Order of Friendship of Peoples and later the Order of Honour of the Russian Federation, reflecting his enduring legacy in sports.

## FAQs
**What were Pyotr Bolotnikov's major achievements in athletics?**
Pyotr Bolotnikov was a distinguished Soviet long-distance runner who competed in events over 3000 meters. He earned the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR and received the Order of Lenin, the highest Soviet decoration, for his athletic accomplishments.

**When was Pyotr Bolotnikov active in sports?**
Bolotnikov's athletic career spanned from 1956 to 1965, during which he represented the Soviet Union in long-distance running competitions.

**What awards did Pyotr Bolotnikov receive?**
He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of Friendship of Peoples, the Order of Honour (Russian Federation), the Medal "In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow," and the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR. He was also named an honorary citizen of Mordovia.

**What was Pyotr Bolotnikov's nationality?**
He was a citizen of the Soviet Union and later Russia, following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.

## Why They Matter
Pyotr Bolotnikov's contributions to Soviet athletics helped elevate the profile of long-distance running in the USSR during the Cold War era. His success in international competitions showcased Soviet athletic prowess and inspired future generations of runners. His achievements were recognized with some of the highest state honors, cementing his legacy as one of the Soviet Union's most decorated athletes.

## Notable For
- Being a prominent Soviet long-distance runner (1956–1965)
- Receiving the Order of Lenin, the highest Soviet decoration
- Earning the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR
- Being awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples and the Order of Honour (Russian Federation)
- Named an honorary citizen of Mordovia
- Competing in long-distance events over 3000 meters

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Pyotr Grigoryevich Bolotnikov was born on March 8, 1930, in the Soviet Union. He began his athletic career as a long-distance runner, specializing in events exceeding 3000 meters. His competitive period spanned from 1956 to 1965, during which he became one of the Soviet Union's most notable athletes in track and field.

### Athletic Achievements
Bolotnikov's performances in long-distance running earned him significant recognition. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the highest decoration in the Soviet Union, for his contributions to athletics. Additionally, he received the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR, a prestigious honor bestowed upon elite Soviet athletes.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Bolotnikov accumulated several state awards, including:
- **Order of Lenin** (1930–1991)
- **Order of Friendship of Peoples** (established 1972)
- **Order of Honour** (Russian Federation, established 1994)
- **Medal "In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow"** (1997)
- **Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR** (1934–1992)
- **Honorary Citizen of Mordovia** (1996)

### Later Life and Legacy
After his athletic career, Bolotnikov remained a respected figure in Soviet and Russian sports. His legacy endured through his state honors and his influence on subsequent generations of long-distance runners. He passed away on December 20, 2013, leaving behind a lasting impact on Soviet athletics.

### Personal Details
- **Height:** 173 cm
- **Weight:** 64 kg
- **Aliases:** Pyotr Grigoryevich Bolotnikov, Pjotr Grigorjewitsch Bolotnikow

### Historical Context
Bolotnikov's career coincided with the height of the Cold War, during which Soviet athletes were often seen as symbols of national prestige. His success in long-distance running contributed to the Soviet Union's reputation in international sports, particularly in athletics. His achievements were celebrated within the USSR and later in the Russian Federation, where he continued to be honored posthumously.

## References

1. Olympedia
2. Freebase Data Dumps
3. All-Athletics.com
4. Catalog of the German National Library
5. World Athletics database