Extraordinary People

Lydia and Evgeny Alekseev are the most eminent basketball couple in the world in terms of awards. They are the first captains of the men’s and women’s national teams of the USSR. Evgeny was the first coach and founder of the CSKA basketball team. Under the leadership of Lydia Alekseeva, the USSR national team did not lose a single international match from 1964 to 1984, repeatedly winning the title of world and Olympic champions. The Alekseevs were the participants in the Great Patriotic War, and were awarded military orders and medals. They lived in a happy marriage for over 60 years and raised two daughters.