A dominant force on the international basketball scene
Towered above the opposition, both literally and figuratively, as a seven-foot plus stalwart for the Soviet National Team for over two decades
Collected some 45 medals in a career which began in 1968
Was a two-time Olympic gold medalist, playing for the Soviet Union in both the 1976 and 1980 Games
Collection of gold medals also includes 15 from the Soviet National Championships, 11 from the European Championships, and three from the World Championships
Never lost a single game playing in international competition during her 18-year career
Was voted the most popular athlete in her country 12 times between 1970 and 1985
