Irina Davydova
A Russian hurdler who battled to the pinnacle of her sport, claiming a world championship silver medal in the demanding 400-meter hurdles.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Russian hurdler·Birthday: May 27·Millennials
Biography
Irina Davydova specialized in one of track and field's most grueling events: the 400-meter hurdles. Her career is a story of persistence and precision, climbing the ranks in a deep Russian and global field. She announced herself on the world stage at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, where she delivered a stunning performance to win the silver medal, trailing only the legendary Zuzana Hejnová. That moment in front of a home crowd was her career highlight, a reward for years of technical refinement and strength training. While Olympic success proved elusive, Davydova remained a consistent force in European athletics, contending for continental medals and representing Russia with the tenacity required by her brutal discipline.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Irina was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Irina Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Irina's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the silver medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.
- Holds a personal best time of 53.77 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles.
- Was a finalist in the event at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.
Did You Know?
Her world championship silver medal in 2013 was won in her home country at the Luzhniki Stadium.
She has been coached by renowned Russian hurdling coach Vladimir Shtyrkov.
She competed for the Russian military sports society CSKA during her athletic career.
“The hurdle is not an obstacle; it is part of my stride.”
