Mankin, who had lived in Italy since 1988, died on Sunday (June 1).

He is regarded as among the greats of Olympic sailing for his exploits on the water, which was also followed by a successful coaching career.

Born in Kyiv, Mankin represented the Soviet Union at four Olympic Games, winning gold in the Finn class at Mexico City 1968 and following that up with gold in the Tempest class at Munich 1972.

Four years later, he secured a silver in the same class in Montreal before going on to claim an unprecedented third gold in the Star class at Moscow 1980.

Mankin had been competing at elite level for a number of years prior to Mexico City in 1968, but was overlooked in the Finn class for both Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964 as the Soviet Union favoured more senior sailors.

Only Denmark's Paul Elvstrom and Sir Ben Ainslie of Great Britain have won more Olympic sailing gold medals than Mankin, with four each

Mankin sits behind only Sir Ben Ainslie (pictured) and Dane Paul Elvstrom in terms of Olympic sailing gold medals ©Getty Images



After emigrating to Italy in 1988, Mankin became a coach for the Italian Sailing Federation and his international success continued as he oversaw Olympic and world title wins for Alessandra Sensini and guided Pietro and Gianfranco Sibello to men's 49er European gold in Zadar, Croatia, in 2009.

International Sailing Federation President Carlo Croce, said: "In recent years he had found the enthusiasm to contribute significantly to organise the activities of the Federal Centre for Olympic Preparation in Campione del Garda.

"This was a great opportunity to capitalise on his enormous experience and expertise.

"He was an athlete, a coach and a very special man.

"He was really close to all Italian sailors and we will miss him very much."

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