Definition
Yelena Migunova is a Russian track and field athlete who competes primarily in the 400 metres sprint and the 4 × 400 metres relay.
Overview
Born on 13 July 1984, Migunova emerged as a senior international competitor in the mid‑2000s. She was a member of the Russian women's 4 × 400 metres relay team that won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The same team secured a silver medal at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin. In addition to her relay successes, Migunova has competed individually in the 400 m, recording a personal best of 50.84 seconds in 2008. Throughout her career, she has represented Russia in numerous European and World Championship events and has been affiliated with the athletics club CSKA Moscow.
Etymology/Origin
The given name Yelena (Елена) is the Russian form of the Greek name Helenē, meaning “torch” or “light.” The surname Migunova (Мигунова) is a patronymic-derived Russian family name; the root “Migun” does not have a widely recognized standalone meaning in contemporary Russian, and the suffix “‑ova” denotes a feminine form.
Characteristics
- Event specialization: 400 m sprint and 4 × 400 m relay.
- Personal best (400 m): 50.84 seconds (achieved in 2008).
- Athletic profile: Known for strong speed endurance, effective baton exchange technique in relays, and consistency in national championship competitions.
- Club affiliation: CSKA Moscow (as of the last publicly recorded season).
- International representation: Competed for Russia at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Athletics Championships.
Related Topics
- 4 × 400 metres relay
- Russian athletics federation (ARAF)
- 2008 Summer Olympics – Athletics – Women's 4 × 400 metres relay
- World Athletics Championships – Women's 4 × 400 metres relay
- Sprinting (track and field)
All information is drawn from verifiable athletic records and publicly available competition results.