Nikolai Ivanovich Pankin (2 January 1949 – 13 October 2018) was a Russian breaststroke swimmer who later worked as a swimming coach. He took part in three Olympic tournaments, appearing at the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics. The events he raced included the 100 metre and 200 metre breaststroke and the 4 × 100 metre medley relay. He is commonly described as a Russian athlete of his era.
Career overview
- Specialised in breaststroke events across sprint and middle distances.
- Represented his country at three consecutive Olympic Games (1968, 1972, 1976).
- After retiring from competition he continued in the sport as a coach.
Life and legacy
Pankin's active years spanned the late 1960s and 1970s. He remained involved in swimming through coaching and mentorship until his death in October 2018. Records of his Olympic appearances list him in individual breaststroke races and as a member of medley relay teams.