Vera Nikolić

Vera Nikolić (Serbian Cyrillic: Вера Николић; born 23 September 1948) is a Serbian coach and retired middle-distance runner who competed at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. She had her best achievements in the 800 m event, in which she won European titles in 1966 and 1971 and set a world record on 20 July 1968. She came to the 1968 Olympics as a favorite, but due to the pressure of being the favorite[1] she gave up her semifinal – after leading it for 300 m she suddenly stepped off the track, walked back to the start, sat down and took off her shoes.[2] She set her personal best in 800 m at the 1972 Olympics, but this was only enough for a fifth place.[3]

For the Croatian painter and baroness, see Vera Nikolić Podrinska.

Vera Nikolić
Personal information
Born23 September 1948 (1948-09-23) (age 71)
Grabovica, Yugoslavia
Height1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Weight57 kg (126 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)800 m, 1500 m
ClubMorava Cuprija
Dinamo Zagreb
Coached byLeo Lang
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)800 m – 1:59.62 (1972)
1500 m – 4:12.7 (1972)
Medal record
Representing  Yugoslavia
European Championships
1966 Budapest800 m
1971 Helsinki800 m
1969 Athens800 m
Mediterranean Games
1971 Izmir800 m
1971 Izmir1500 m

Nikolić received a Golden Badge of Sport, award for the best athlete of Yugoslavia in 1966.

References
  1. www.blicsport.rs Vera Nikolić: Za mene je Bekrić vanzemaljac, ali ne stvarajmo pritisak sportistima
  2. Athletics at the 1968 Ciudad de México Summer Games: Women's 800 metres. sports-reference.com
  3. Vera Nikolić. Sports Reference
Awards
Preceded by
Branislav Lončar		 The Best Athlete of Yugoslavia
1966		 Succeeded by
Ivo Daneu
Preceded by
Ružica Miladinović
Desanka Perović		 Yugoslav Sportswoman of the Year
1966, 1967
1971, 1972		 Succeeded by
Đurđica Bjedov
Jelica Pavličić
Records
Preceded by
Judy Pollock		 Women's 800 metres World Record Holder
1968-07-20 – 1971-07-11		 Succeeded by
Hildegard Falck


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