In the present work, the question is raised relative to the contribution of educational institutions to harmonious development of the student-sportsman personality. The problem of socially active education of a student is discussed, as well as the contribution of educational institutions to the cognitive development and the formation of the sportsman personality. With the help of a theoretical-historical analysis and biographical method, an analysis of the life path of initiators and companions (associates) of the development of sports movement in Russia, as well as the life histories of outstanding sportsmen (athletes) - champions of the Olympic Games and Chess Olympiads, graduated from the St. Petersburg State University was made. Subject areas, which were mastered by the heroes in the years of their study at the university and determined their cultural and ideological appearance in the subsequent years of life are marked. A study of the collective image of a modern sportsman (athlete)-universant (a University graduate) was performed, in which graduates and teachers, who represented the University, city, country at international and Russian competitions (including participants and prize-winners of the Olympic Games) took part. Respondents noted the most striking episodes of their sports life during their studies at the University, the sports award that is the most precious for them, they drew a generalized image of a university sportsman, named their life slogan (motto), shared what the University is for them. The received results testify about the really significant contribution of educational institutions in forming the personality of future champions, as well as of ideologists and practitioners of realizing (implementing) sports initiatives.