He took part in javelin competitions from a relatively early age and progressed through the age categories, taking bronze medals at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Athletics and the 2011 European Athletics U23 Championships. He represented Russia at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, coming tenth, but missed the 2012 Summer Olympics as he was affected by an injury. He is married to 2011 World champion Mariya Abakumova, who is also a javelin thrower for Russia.