Vyacheslav Alekseyevich Zaytsev

About

Retired volleyball player from Russia who represented the Soviet Union in the Summer Olympics of 1976, 1980, and 1988. He had an important role in the team's success, winning numerous titles and accolades. He won Olympic gold medals with the Soviet team in 1972 and 1980. Additionally, he won the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup twice n 1977 and 1981, and several European Championships.

Before Fame

At the young age of 17, he made his first appearance in 1969 for the Russian club Avtomobilist. 

Trivia

Regarded as one of the premier setters globally, he garnered recognition as the most valuable player of the 1981 FIVB World Cup. Additionally, he earned the title of the best defensive player in the 1977 FIVB World Cup and secured a spot on the annual list of the USSR's top 24 players a remarkable 17 times.

Family Life

He is married to former swimmer Irina Pozdnyakova. Together they have a daughter named Anna and a son named Ivan.

Associated With

His son, Ivan Zaytsev, went on to become an Olympic volleyball player.