[2] His long sequence of international victories began at the 1977 European Championship where he won the gold medal in his favorite distance, the 1,500 m. At the 1978 World Championships in Berlin, Salnikov won gold medals in the 400 and 1,500 m, setting a new world record in the 400 meters.

[2] The United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, but Salnikov demonstrated that he was far superior to everybody, winning the 1500 m race in 14:58.27 and becoming the first person to swim the distance under 15 minutes.

The Soviet Union boycotted the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, so Salnikov could not defend his title.

Later in his career, Salnikov had a brief stay at Mission Viejo in the United States, where he worked with coaches Mark Shubert, Brian Goodell and Tim Shaw.

[3] Since 1984–85, he was coached by his wife Marina, a former Soviet track and field record holder in the 100 meters and a sports psychologist.

[2] After the 1988 Olympics Salnikov retired from competitions and until 1990 worked as the head coach of the Soviet swimming team.

[2] He graduated from the Lesgaft Institute of Physical Education in Saint Petersburg and holds a PhD in pedagogy.