Remembering Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk

Remembering Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk

BC Athletics and the Kamloops Track & Field Club are deeply saddened to share the passing of long-time Kamloops Track & Field Club throws coach, Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk, who passed away at the age of 85.

Competing for the Soviet Union, Dr. Bondarchuk had a remarkable and decorated career as an athlete. He won the gold medal in the hammer throw at the 1972 Olympic Games, setting a new Olympic record with a throw of 75.50 metres. At the 1976 Olympic Games, he earned a bronze medal, while one of his athletes, Yuriy Sedykh, captured the gold.

Affectionately known as “Dr. B,” he and his wife Galyna moved to Kamloops in 2005, where he immediately began to have a profound and lasting impact on the track & field community in British Columbia and across Canada. Athletes relocated to Kamloops from across North America and the Caribbean for the opportunity to train with and learn from Dr. B, with many going on to represent Canada or their respective countries on national teams around the world.

As a coach, Dr. B guided Dylan Armstrong to multiple World Championship and Olympic medals in the shot put. Even in retirement, his influence continued, as he provided guidance and mentorship to current Olympic and World Champion Ethan Katzberg.

Dr. B leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have learned from him and to have witnessed his unwavering passion for excellence in coaching and helping athletes reach their full potential.

He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

To convey your condolences, you are invited to send a card to his family.

“The Bondarchuk Family” C/O KTFC #182-230 1210 Summit Dr Kamloops BC V2C 6M1

Obituary: https://www.drakecremation.com/obituaries/Anatoliy-Bondarchuk?obId=46850840&source=EmSh