After being taught to swim by his mother, Alexandr Sukhorukov quickly rose to become one of Russia’s best freestylers. Born in Ukhta, Russia, the 6 foot 6 inches sprint freestyler began his senior international career at age 20 at the Beijing Olympics.
2008 Olympics
In Beijing at his Olympic Debut, Sukhorukov helped the Russian 2×200 meter freestyle relay to a silver medal. In his individual 200-meter freestyle, Sukhorukov managed to tie in 19th place in 1:47.97.
2009 FINA World Championships
Following on from his Olympic success, Sukhorukov qualified for both freestyle relays in Rome. Russia finished with silver in both the relays with Sukhorukov as anchor.
2010 European Championships
Sukhorukov earned his first international gold medals in Budapest. His 1:47.06 as the anchor of the 4×200-meter freestyle relay helped Russia to touch home first. He also swam in the heats for the 4×100-meter freestyle relay which Russia went on to win in the finals.
2011 FINA World Championships
In Shanghai, Sukhorukov was a member of the Russian 4×200-meter freestyle relay that finished 11th in the heats.
2012 Olympics
Sukhorukov qualified again for the Russian 4×200 meter freestyle relay. The team wasn’t able to repeat their medal success of the previous games, finishing 10th in the heats.
2013 FINA World Championships
After a disappointing 4×200-meter freestyle finish in London, Sukhorukov helped Russia back on the international podium with a silver in Barcelona. He was also awarded a bronze for his heat swim in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.
2014 European Championships
Sukhorukov took home two silvers for his performance in the men’s freestyle relays. In his individual events, Sukhorukov showed his strength in the 100-meter freestyle finishing 4th in 48.52. In the double distance, he managed a 12th place finish in the semi-finals.
2015 FINA World Championships
Ditching his usual 200 for the 100-meter freestyle, Sukhorukov touched in 48.28, enough for 6th place in Kazan and a career best time. He was also a part of each of the freestyle relays, with Russia’s top finish in the 4×100-meter with a silver, with Sukhorukov as the anchor. In both the 4×200 and the mixed 4×100-meter relays Russia finished 4th.
