Konstantin Reva: Volleyball
Konstantin Reva (10 April 1921 – 1 September 1997) was a dominant volleyball player in the late 1940s and 1950s from Russia. He was born in Ukraine and moved to Moscow. At the age of 14, he started playing sports and quickly became a success in track and field, soccer and volleyball.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
During the pre-Olympic era, the World Championships was considered volleyball’s biggest event. Konstantin Reva’s team, the USSR, stood out and became undefeated. They won two European Championships in 1950 and 1951, two World Championships in Prague and Moscow in 1949 and 1952 respectively and a bronze medal at the World Championships in 1956 in Paris.
In 2001, the Federation Internationale de Volleyball marked his achievements by presenting him with a Special Twentieth Century award for his unique performance and contribution to the world wide success of his team and the popularity of the sport.
Why Was He So Good?
Konstantin Reva was an outstanding blocker and an exceptional all-around player. He was versatile on and off the court with the public admiring him.
What You May Not Know
- When Reva finished school in 1940, he was called up for military service.
- As a soldier, he played for Central Sport Club of the Army and even helped his team win seven national championships.
- He was named Honored Master of Sport in 1947, one of USSR’s highest honors for athletes.
- After Konstantin’s playing career, he became a club coach and lecturer in physical training at the Military Academy.
- He was honored with the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and the Order of the Red Star.
Was he a legend?
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