Emma Gaptchenko, the 1971 World Archery Champion and 1972 Olympic bronze medallist, died on 6 December 2021 at the age of 83.
Having taken up archery at the age of 28 after practising running, swimming and volleyball, she was the first Soviet archer to win a medal at the Olympics.
Gaptchenko was also a 10-times regional champion in Moscow in 1967-1975 and 1978, set 14 Soviet records and two world records according to a eulogy posted on Russian-language social networking site VK.
She won team world titles in 1969 and 1973, alongside her individual crown in 1971, and was European champion three consecutive times in 1970-1974.
After her retirement from competition, Gaptchenko worked as an archery coach and judge.
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