Physical education as a vocation: on the 88th birthday of Viktor Alekseevich Mirnichenko

The article is dedicated to Viktor Alekseevich Mirnichenko, the oldest employee of St. Petersburg State Pediatric University (SPbSPMU), a teacher at the Department of Physical Education. On September 13, 2025, he will be 88 years old and 60 years of his teaching career. Viktor Alekseevich served in the special forces in in Turkmenistan, where great attention was paid to physical training. He graduated from the Bashkir College of Physical Education and the Lesgaft Institute of Physical Culture with a degree in Athletics Coach. He started working at Spartak, then at the Leningrad Sanitary and Hygienic Medical Institute (LSGMI) (1966–1968, 1971–1976), and in 1968–1971 served as an instructor of physical therapy in the Northern Group of Forces (Poland). Viktor Alekseevich Mirnichenko is a candidate for the Master of Sports in athletics, coach, organizer of sports events, instructor in physical therapy, mentor of famous medical workers and teachers, holder of the badge “Excellent Student of physical Culture and Sports”, honorary title “Veteran of Labor”. He has received commendations from the Committee on Physical Culture and Sports (2022) and the university administration for his professional activities. As an experienced teacher, he actively uses modern approaches to conduct practical classes, pays special attention to students with health problems. In parallel with his teaching activities, he is a research supervisor: he prepares students for participation in Student scientific and practical conferences and helps them publish scientific papers. Viktor Alekseevich is the organizer of sports sections, trains and prepares students for interuniversity athletics competitions. The success of his coaching work is confirmed by the students — participants and winners of athletics competitions.