The Flying Elephant: Memoirs of an Olympic Champion
The Flying Elephant: Memoirs of an Olympic Champion is the personal autobiography of Alexander Savin, a towering figure in Soviet volleyball history. In this book, the 1980 Moscow Olympic gold medalist opens up about his path from a regular kid in Russia to becoming one of the most respected middle blockers in the world. Translated into English by his half-brother, the memoir mixes real-life stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and over 240 rare photos. It’s not just another sports book — it shows the hard work, pressure, and mindset needed to stay at the top for years.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aleksandr Borisovich Savin |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1957 (currently 68 years old) |
| Height | 200 cm (6 feet 7 inches) |
| Playing Position | Middle Blocker |
| Hometown | Taganrog, Russia |
| Olympic Medals | Gold (1980 Moscow), Silver (1976 Montreal) |
| Hall of Fame | International Volleyball Hall of Fame (2010) |
| Book Highlights | Kindle edition, 240+ rare photos, family translation |
Alexander Savin grew up in the port city of Taganrog before his family shifted to Obninsk. Like many Soviet kids, he tried different sports, but volleyball clicked when he was around 10. His height and natural bounce made coaches take notice right away. The Soviet system had clear pathways for talented athletes, and Savin moved through youth teams with serious training sessions that combined school, discipline, and constant practice.
He eventually joined CSKA Moscow, a top club known for producing strong players. Those early days taught him that talent alone wasn’t enough — daily commitment and learning from mistakes mattered more. These lessons later became important parts of his memoir.
Earning the Nickname “Flying Elephant”
Standing at 200 cm tall, Savin had the appearance of a strong and commanding player. But what surprised everyone was how quickly he could jump and hang in the air at the net. Italian reporters saw him play in the late 1970s and called him “Flying Elephant” — a fun name that stuck because it perfectly described his mix of size and surprising agility.
This nickname became famous across Europe. Opponents feared his blocks, while teammates respected his timing and leadership. The title of the book comes directly from this chapter of his career.
Life at the Top: Major Wins and Olympic Battles
Savin joined the senior Soviet national team in the mid-1970s. Over the next decade, he helped the team win almost everything possible — World Championships in 1978 and 1982, World Cups, and several European titles. He played more than 300 matches for his country during one of the strongest periods in men’s volleyball.
His Olympic story is especially memorable. In 1976 in Montreal, he was just 19 and helped the team reach the final, but they came home with silver after a tough loss to Poland. Four years later in Moscow, everything changed. Playing in front of home fans, Savin and his teammates won gold by beating Bulgaria in the final. He appeared in every match both times. These experiences left a deep mark on him.
What’s Actually Inside the Book
The Flying Elephant doesn’t just list medals and scores. Savin shares real thoughts about:
- The tough daily routine in Soviet training camps
- His relationships with coaches and teammates
- Dealing with pressure, injuries, and expectations
- Life after retiring from professional play
The English version is a true family effort. His half-brother Andrei Savine led the translation, with help from Julia Savine and Alfredo Cabero. The book also includes warm messages from big names in volleyball like Doug Beal, Marv Dunphy, Sergey Tetyukhin, and Vladimir Alekno.
One of the standout features is its extensive photo collection, featuring over 240 images sourced from private family albums and official archives. Readers get to see young Savin training, big match moments, and personal glimpses that normal sports books rarely show.
Why This Memoir Stands Out in 2026
Most sports books focus only on glory. This one feels more honest. It talks about the real cost of success — family time missed, physical pain, and mental challenges during the Cold War sports era. Volleyball players and coaches often pick it up for practical advice on mindset and preparation. Regular readers like it because the story feels human and relatable.
The recent Kindle release has made it easy for people around the world to read Savin’s story instantly.
Source Verification
This article is based on:
- Official International Volleyball Hall of Fame records
- Olympic archives and Wikipedia page (cross-checked with sports databases)
- Amazon Kindle book page and author family statements on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram
- Public posts by translator Andrei Savine
Everything is verified and no unconfirmed details are added. The memoir itself is the best source for personal stories.
FAQ
What is The Flying Elephant: Memoirs of an Olympic Champion exactly?
It is Alexander Savin’s own story about his volleyball career, Olympic wins, and personal experiences.
Who is Alexander Savin?
A legendary Soviet/Russian middle blocker, 1980 Olympic champion, and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee.
How many photos does the book have?
More than 240 rare pictures from different stages of his life and career.
Is the book only for volleyball fans?
No. Anyone who enjoys stories about hard work, resilience, and real-life achievement will find value in it.
Who translated the English Kindle edition?
His half-brother Andrei Savine, along with Julia Savine and Alfredo Cabero.
Can I read it right away on my phone or tablet?
Yes — the Kindle version downloads instantly and works on any device with the free Kindle app.
Conclusion
The Flying Elephant: Memoirs of an Olympic Champion gives readers a genuine look at what it takes to become a champion in a tough team sport. Alexander Savin’s journey shows that success comes from years of quiet effort, smart choices, and strong character. If you want inspiration from someone who actually lived through Olympic pressure and international glory, this book is a solid choice. The Kindle edition makes his powerful story easily available to everyone.
