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DEMENTIEVA, Yelena Vyacheslavovna
Professional Tennis Player, Olympic Champion - Women's Tennis Singles, Beijing 2008
 Yelena Dementieva (Елена Вячеславовна Дементьева) was born on October 15, 1981 in Moscow.
Dementieva has competed professionally since 1998. She has amassed 16 career WTA titles so far (10 for singles, 6 for doubles). She was the semifinalist of the U.S. Open in 2000, the silver medalist in the women's singles in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the runner-up at the French Open and the U.S. Open at 2004, and the gold medalist in the women's singles in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Beijing 2008
On August 17, 2008 Dementieva captured the gold medal in the women's tennis singles final at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, beating compatriot Darina Safina 3-6 7-5 6-3.
Dementieva's victory over her childhood friend completed a podium sweep for Russia in the women's event. Vera Zvonareva overcame China's Li Na to claim bronze.
It is the first clean sweep in any tennis event since 1908, when Great Britain collected all three women's singles medals.
In an event whose validity as an Olympic sport has recently been questioned, Dementieva was expressive in her overwhelming joy following her victory: "I never expected a medal - gold, silver or bronze [...] It's unbelievable. For me this is the best moment in my career. I'll never forget it. I've been dreaming about this moment since I was eight years old."
"Having three Russian girls left standing in the Olympics is a huge moment for Russia," Dementieva said. "I know we were expecting and planning for some medals but I don't think anyone could expect three medals from the girls."
Sources
Wikipedia.Org, Profile of Yelena Dementieva
WTA Tour, Profile of Yelena Dementieva
BBC News, "Dementieva secures singles gold", August 17, 2008
Last updated August 18, 2008
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