Famous Estonian Sportspersons

Anett Kontaveit, a former professional tennis player from Estonia, achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 2 by the Women's Tennis Association. She won six singles titles on the WTA Tour, as well as numerous singles and doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. Kontaveit reached the quarterfinals at the 2020 Australian Open and contested two WTA 1000 finals. Notably, she became the first Estonian to qualify for and participate in the WTA Finals, reaching the final. Kontaveit retired in 2023 due to lumbar disc degeneration after making her final appearance at the Wimbledon Championships.

Grete Sadeiko is an accomplished Estonian heptathlete known for her impressive performance at the 2010 World Junior Championships where she achieved a personal record of 5705 points, securing a fourth-place finish. She later pursued her athletic career by joining Florida State University in 2012. Sadeiko's dedication to the sport and her strong competitive spirit have solidified her reputation as a talented and determined athlete in the field of heptathlon.

George Hackenschmidt was an Estonian strongman, professional wrestler, writer, and sports philosopher. Known as "The Russian Lion," he became professional wrestling's first world heavyweight champion. Hackenschmidt started his career in Tallinn, Estonia, before moving to London, England. He was credited with creating the wrestling bear hug, popularizing the hack squat, and possibly inventing the bench press. His physical prowess, fitness, and flexibility were legendary. Later in life, he authored numerous books on physical culture, training, and philosophy, leaving a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling and sports.

Kaia Kanepi is an accomplished Estonian professional tennis player known for her significant achievements on the WTA Tour. She reached a career-high ranking of world No. 15 in 2012 and has claimed four singles titles. With a reputation as a Grand Slam upset specialist, she has defeated numerous seeded players at major tournaments. Kanepi has made history by reaching seven Grand Slam quarterfinals and was the first Estonian to achieve this milestone. Her success has solidified her status as one of Estonia's most renowned tennis players.

Mart Poom is an Estonian football coach and former professional player widely considered one of the greatest Estonian footballers. He served as the goalkeeping coach for the Estonia national team. Poom played as a goalkeeper for various clubs including Lõvid, Sport Tallinn, KuPS, Flora, Wil, Portsmouth, Derby County, Sunderland, Arsenal, and Watford. He earned 120 caps for the Estonia national team, captaining the side. Poom received numerous accolades, including the Estonian Footballer of the Year award multiple times and being named Estonia's Golden Player in 2003. He retired in 2009.

Baruto Kaito, also known as Kaido Höövelson, had a successful professional sumo wrestling career, reaching the rank of ōzeki after a series of achievements and tournament victories. Despite facing injury setbacks, he displayed exceptional fighting spirit and technique, earning multiple special prizes. After retiring from sumo, Baruto ventured into various fields such as business, mixed martial arts, acting, and eventually politics, where he was elected to the Riigikogu in March 2019.

Margus Hunt is an Estonian former professional American football defensive end. He entered the NFL after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2013 draft. Prior to his football career, he excelled in discus throw and shot put, even holding the world junior record in discus throw. At 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m), he stood out as one of the tallest players in the NFL. Throughout his career, he played for teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.

Paul Keres was an Estonian chess grandmaster and writer known for his exceptional skills in the game. He was a top player from the 1930s to the 1960s, narrowly missing chances at the World Chess Championship multiple times. Despite representing different countries due to wartime circumstances, Keres achieved significant victories, including winning the AVRO 1938 chess tournament. He was a perennial runner-up in prestigious tournaments, earning a reputation as one of the greatest "Super grandmasters" in history and the strongest player never to become world champion.

Kelly Sildaru is an accomplished Estonian Olympic freestyle skier known for her exceptional talent and skill on the slopes. She has achieved numerous successes in her career, including winning multiple medals in prestigious competitions such as the Winter X Games and the Freestyle Skiing World Championships. Sildaru is recognized for her technical prowess and creativity in executing complex tricks and maneuvers, solidifying her reputation as one of the top freestyle skiers in the world.

Ott Tänak is an accomplished Estonian rally driver, known for his successful career in the World Rally Championship. Teamed with Martin Järveoja, Tänak competes for Hyundai Motorsport, showcasing his exceptional driving skills. In 2019, he secured his first drivers' world title, marking a historic achievement as the first Estonian to win the championship. Tänak's victory also broke a long-standing streak by becoming the first non-Frenchman to claim the title since 2003, and the first for Toyota since 1994.

Natalia Zabiiako is a highly accomplished competitive pair skater with a successful career representing both Russia and Estonia. With various partners, she has achieved notable success including World and European bronze medals, Grand Prix titles, and national accolades. Zabiiako's journey in pairs figure skating showcases her talent, determination, and resilience in overcoming challenges such as citizenship issues that impacted her participation in major events. Her professional life is characterized by dedication, skill, and a strong competitive spirit in the world of figure skating.

Martin Müürsepp is an Estonian professional basketball coach and former player. He currently serves as the assistant coach of Pärnu Sadam in the Estonian-Latvian Basketball League and the Korvpalli Meistriliiga. Müürsepp is recognized as one of Estonia's greatest basketball players, being the first Estonian to play in the NBA. He has achieved success in various international competitions, winning the FIBA Saporta Cup in 2000 and the FIBA Europe League in 2004, where he was also named the Europe League Finals MVP.

Henri Drell is an Estonian professional basketball player known for his versatility as a shooting guard and small forward. He has played for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA on a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls in the G League. Drell is a key player for the Estonian national basketball team, representing his country in international competitions. Standing at an impressive 2.05 meters (6 ft 9 in), he holds the distinction of being the second Estonian player to ever compete in the NBA.

Rein Taaramäe is an Estonian professional road racing cyclist who competes for UCI WorldTeam Intermarché–Wanty. Known for his climbing abilities, Taaramäe has achieved success in various stage races and one-day events. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated consistency and determination, often showcasing his skills in challenging mountainous terrain. Taaramäe's dedication to the sport and strong work ethic have earned him respect among fellow cyclists and fans alike. His presence on the professional cycling circuit continues to make an impact and inspire others in the sport.

Martin Järveoja is an Estonian rally co-driver known for his partnership with Ott Tänak in the World Rally Championship. He has demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise in navigating challenging terrains and providing crucial support to Tänak during races. As a key member of the Hyundai Motorsport team, Järveoja has contributed to their competitive performances in the WRC. His precision, teamwork, and ability to communicate effectively with Tänak make him a valuable asset in the world of rally racing.

Gerd Kanter is a retired Estonian discus thrower known for his impressive achievements in the sport. He won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics and was the 2007 World Champion in the discus throw event. Kanter holds the Estonian record for the discus throw with a personal best of 73.38 m, which also ranks as the fourth best mark of all time. Throughout his career, he also secured medals at various prestigious events, including the World Championships and European Athletics Championships. Kanter's success extended to winning the IAAF Diamond League in discus throw in 2012 and 2013.

Jaan Kirsipuu is a retired Estonian road bicycle racer turned directeur sportif for UCI Continental team Voltas–Tartu 2024 by CCN. Known for his association with Vincent Lavenu and Chazal–Vanille et Mûre team, he amassed a total of 124 race wins during his 12-year tenure. Kirsipuu secured 115 professional wins and 62 victories from non-professional races. Noteworthy achievements include being the first Estonian rider to win a Tour de France stage and leading the race for six days in 1999.

Marina Kaljurand is an Estonian politician and Member of the European Parliament. She has held various prominent positions throughout her career, including serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs in Estonia's government and as the country's Ambassador to several nations, including the United States, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Israel. Kaljurand has a wealth of experience in diplomacy and international relations, making her a respected figure in Estonian politics and on the global stage.

Eva-Lotta Kiibus is an accomplished Estonian figure skater, known for her impressive achievements on the ice. She has secured several championship titles, including the 2020 Nebelhorn Trophy, two Estonian national championships, and three Tallink Hotels Cup victories. Kiibus has proudly represented Estonia at prestigious competitions such as the European and World championships, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Her notable performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics illustrates her skill and determination as a top-tier figure skater on the international stage.

Maicel Uibo is an accomplished Estonian decathlete known for his impressive performances in the sport. He achieved significant success during his time at the University of Georgia, clinching the NCAA championships in decathlon in both 2014 and 2015. Uibo's talent was further highlighted when he secured the silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, showcasing his dedication and skill in the field. His remarkable personal best score of 8604 points in the decathlon event solidified his reputation as a top-tier athlete on the global stage.

Nikolai Novosjolov is a highly accomplished Estonian right-handed épée fencer, known for his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. With two individual world championship titles to his name, he has proven himself as a top athlete in the fencing world. As a four-time Olympian, Novosjolov has represented Estonia in the prestigious Olympic Games, showcasing his talent and dedication on the global stage. His career is marked by a remarkable competitive spirit and a commitment to excellence in fencing.

Grit Šadeiko is an accomplished Estonian heptathlete known for her success in the sport. She made a significant mark in her career by clinching the heptathlon title at the 2011 European Athletics U23 Championships. Her dedication and skill in the heptathlon event have earned her recognition among her peers and fans alike. Šadeiko's professional journey showcases her commitment to excellence in athletics and her ability to compete at a high level on the international stage.

Kerr Kriisa is an Estonian college basketball player known for his skills as a point guard. He has played for notable teams like the Arizona Wildcats and West Virginia Mountaineers before joining the Kentucky Wildcats in the Southeastern Conference. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Kriisa has showcased his talent both on the court and with the Estonian junior national teams. With a promising career ahead, he continues to make strides in the competitive world of college basketball.

Andrus Veerpalu is a retired Estonian cross-country skier known for his remarkable success in the Winter Olympics. He achieved significant milestones in his career by winning two gold medals in the men's 15 km classical event in 2002 and 2006, as well as a silver medal in the men's 50 km classical race in 2002. Veerpalu's accomplishments have solidified his status as Estonia's most successful Winter Olympian, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of cross-country skiing.

Siim-Sander Vene is an accomplished Estonian professional basketball player known for his versatility in playing both small forward and power forward positions. He currently plays for San Pablo Burgos in the LEB Oro league. Vene has also made significant contributions to the Estonian national basketball team, showcasing his skills on the international stage. His impressive performances have earned him the prestigious title of Estonian Basketball Player of the Year for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.

Heiki Nabi is an accomplished Estonian Greco-Roman wrestler with a notable career in international competitions. He secured the gold medal at the 2006 World Wrestling Championships, marking a significant achievement for his country. Nabi continued his success by winning the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Despite facing challenges in subsequent qualification tournaments, Nabi's dedication to the sport and competitive spirit have solidified his reputation as a skilled and resilient athlete on the world stage.

Anton Kuivanen is an accomplished Estonian-Finnish mixed martial artist and coach. He trains and imparts his knowledge at the renowned GB Gym in Helsinki, Finland. With a strong foundation in martial arts, Kuivanen has also honed his skills through training camps at the esteemed American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. His professional journey is marked by dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of mixed martial arts.

Maik-Kalev Kotsar is an Estonian professional basketball player known for his career in various leagues and teams. He has played in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague for Saski Baskonia. Kotsar also showcased his skills in college basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Additionally, he has represented the Estonia men's national basketball team and the Estonia men's national 3x3 team. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 270 pounds, he predominantly plays as a center for the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the Japanese B.League.

Magnus Kirt, an Estonian retired athlete, excelled in the javelin throw discipline. He achieved significant success by winning the silver medal at the 2019 World Championships. Kirt holds the Estonian record with a personal best of 90.61 meters. Throughout his professional career, he showcased exceptional skill, dedication, and determination in his craft. Kirt's achievements in the field of javelin throwing have solidified his legacy as one of Estonia's most accomplished athletes in the sport.

Kristina Šmigun-Vähi is a former Estonian cross-country skier and politician. She is the most successful Estonian female cross-country skier, having won two Olympic gold medals. In addition to her athletic achievements, she transitioned into politics and was elected as a Member of the Estonian Parliament in 2019. Her professional journey showcases a remarkable blend of sporting excellence and political engagement, highlighting her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact in both the sports world and public service arena.

Tiit Sokk is a retired Estonian professional basketball player and current coach. He is considered one of the top European point guards of his time and is recognized as the greatest Estonian basketball player in history. Sokk was elected to the Hall of Fame of Estonian basketball in 2010, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport. As a player, he showcased exceptional skills and leadership on the court, leading to a successful career that has left a lasting impact on the basketball community.

Michael Roos is a former professional American football offensive tackle who played his entire career for the Tennessee Titans of the NFL. He was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Titans. Roos played college football for the Eastern Washington Eagles before transitioning to the NFL. Known for his exceptional skills and consistency, he was a key player for the Titans, contributing to the team's success during his career. Roos retired from professional football after a successful tenure with the Titans.

Julia Borisenko was a talented Belarusian women's association football defender known for her skill and dedication on the field. Throughout her professional career, she demonstrated exceptional defensive abilities and leadership qualities. She was admired for her strategic gameplay and strong work ethic, which contributed significantly to the success of her team. Borisenko's presence on the field inspired her teammates and earned her respect within the football community. Her contributions to the sport left a lasting impact on women's football in Belarus.

Erki Nool is a renowned Estonian decathlete and former politician. He achieved great success in the field of athletics, winning the gold medal in the decathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Nool has also competed in various international competitions, showcasing his athletic prowess and dedication to his sport. In addition to his sporting achievements, he has also ventured into politics, serving as a member of the Estonian parliament. Throughout his career, Nool has been a respected figure both in the world of sports and in political circles.

Sander Raieste is an Estonian professional basketball player known for his versatility and skill at the small forward position. He currently plays for Saski Baskonia in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague, showcasing his talent on an international stage. Standing at 2.04 meters (6 feet 8 inches) tall, Raieste brings a strong presence on both ends of the court, contributing to his team's success with his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ. A rising star in European basketball, Raieste continues to make an impact with his dedication and passion for the game.

Kristen Viikmäe is a retired professional footballer from Estonia known for his role as a striker. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skills on the field, earning recognition for his goal-scoring abilities and tactical awareness. After retiring from traditional football, Viikmäe transitioned to playing beach soccer, where he continues to display his talent and passion for the sport. He remains dedicated to the game, contributing his experience and expertise to the beach soccer community, inspiring others with his performance and sportsmanship.

Tanel Kangert had a successful career as a professional road bicycle racer from 2008 to 2022. Hailing from Estonia, Kangert established himself as a prominent figure in the cycling world with notable achievements in various races. Known for his strength and endurance, he competed in numerous prestigious events, showcasing his skills and determination on the road. Throughout his career, Kangert gained respect and admiration for his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the cycling community.

Markko Märtin is a retired rally driver from Estonia who competed in the World Rally Championship from 2000 to 2005. Known for his exceptional driving skills, Märtin achieved numerous victories and podium finishes during his career. He was a fierce competitor on various terrains and challenging courses, showcasing his talent and determination. Märtin's successful stint in the WRC solidified his reputation as one of the top rally drivers of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his impressive performances.

Larissa Ilinichna Volpert was a distinguished Soviet chess player and philologist. She achieved significant success in chess, becoming a three-time Soviet women's chess champion and earning the titles of Woman International Master and Woman Grandmaster. In her academic career, she focused on Russian philology, particularly studying the works of Pushkin and Lermontov in relation to French literature. Volpert's expertise and contributions in both chess and philology left a lasting impact, showcasing her talent and dedication to her professional pursuits.

Kristian Marmor is an Estonian professional footballer who has transitioned into a successful beach soccer player after retiring from traditional football. Throughout his career, he has showcased exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, earning recognition for his contributions on the field. Marmor's versatility and adaptability have allowed him to excel in both formats of the game, demonstrating a strong work ethic and passion for football. His achievements highlight his commitment to continuous growth and success in the world of sports.

Andrus Värnik is a retired Estonian track and field athlete known for his expertise in the javelin throw. He achieved great success in his career, winning the World Championship gold in 2005. Värnik set an impressive personal best throw of 87.83 meters in 2003, which stood as the Estonian record for 15 years. His dedication and skill in the sport earned him recognition as one of the top javelin throwers in the world during his competitive years.

Artti Aigro is an Estonian ski jumper who has competed in multiple Winter Olympics, showcasing his talent and skill on the international stage. He represented Estonia at both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics, demonstrating his dedication and expertise in the sport. Aigro's participation in these prestigious events highlights his commitment to excellence and his ability to perform under pressure. Through his performances, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of ski jumping, inspiring others with his achievements.

Alfred Neuland was an accomplished Estonian weightlifter who had a successful career both as an athlete and as a professional in various fields. He competed in the Olympics, winning a gold and a silver medal, and also secured a world title. After retiring from competitions, he worked as a businessman, weightlifting coach, and referee. He later became the head of the Estonian Experimental Soft Drinks Factory in Tallinn. Neuland's contributions to the sport of weightlifting were commemorated with a monument in his honor and an annual memorial tournament.

Anastasiya Verameyenka is a highly skilled Belarusian professional women's basketball player currently playing for Horizont Minsk. She has been a key player for the Belarus women's national basketball team, contributing to their success in EuroBasket Women 2007 where they won a bronze medal. She also represented her country at the 2008 Olympics, helping the team achieve a respectable sixth-place finish. Verameyenka's talent and dedication have established her as a valuable asset in the world of professional women's basketball.

Kristjan Kitsing is an Estonian professional basketball player known for his contributions to Tartu Ülikool in the Estonian–Latvian Basketball League and the Korvpalli Meistriliiga (KML). He has showcased his skills both domestically and internationally as a member of the Estonia national basketball team. Kitsing's talent and dedication have earned him a reputation as a key player in the Estonian basketball scene, where he continues to excel and make valuable contributions to his team's success on the court.

Jüri Jaanson is considered the most successful Estonian rower of all time, having won five medals at World Rowing Championships. He became World Champion in Tasmania in 1990 and went on to win two Olympic silver medals in 2004 and 2008. Known for his dedication to rowing, Jaanson is one of four athletes to compete in rowing at six Olympics. After announcing his retirement in 2010, he was honored with the prestigious Thomas Keller Medal in 2011. Jaanson is also a member of the Estonian parliament for the Reform Party.

Alfred Schmidt was an accomplished Estonian featherweight weightlifter who transitioned to weightlifting in 1919 while serving in the Estonian Army. He won a silver medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics and a national title in 1922. Despite being disqualified at the 1922 World Championships for exceeding the weight limit, he continued to serve as an official and referee in weightlifting and wrestling competitions. Schmidt later became prominent in trap shooting, eventually leading the Estonian Trap Shooting Federation.

Kristjan Rahnu is a retired Estonian decathlete with a notable personal best score of 8526 points achieved in France in 2005. Despite facing numerous injuries and challenges, he attempted a comeback to the sport in 2009 after a hiatus following the European World Championships in 2006. Rahnu's dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles reflect his passion for athletics and desire to excel in decathlon events. His professional journey is characterized by resilience and a strong determination to succeed in the competitive world of track and field sports.