Profession: Distance Runner
Biography: Emil Zátopek was a Czechoslovak long-distance runner best known for his dominant performances in the 1950s. His unique and intense training methods, combined with his unmistakable racing style—with his head lolling and face showing signs of agony—made him an unforgettable figure in athletic history.
During the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Zátopek achieved an unparalleled feat by winning gold in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, and the marathon, all in the span of eight days. This extraordinary accomplishment solidified his reputation as one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
Off the track, Zátopek was known for his sportsmanship and generosity. He was a vocal supporter of the Prague Spring in 1968, which led to his persecution by the subsequent communist regime.
Born: September 19, 1922
Birthplace: Kopřivnice, Czech Republic
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Virgo
Died: November 22, 2000 (aged 78)
Cause of Death: A stroke
Historical Events
- 1948-07-30 Czech distance running legend Emil Zátopek wins the 10,000m at the London Olympics in 29:59.6, an Olympic record
- 1951-09-21 Emil Zatopek runs 15,000m in record 44 min, 54.6 sec
- 1952-08-27 Having already won 5,000m and 10,000m gold medals, Czech star Emil Zátopek claims rare Olympic treble taking out Helsinki Games marathon in OR 2:23:03.2
- 1969-01-02 Once influential daily sports newspaper, 'Soviet Sport' declares Czech super-star distance runner Emil Zatopek a "public enemy" after he supports democratic wing of the Communist Party at start of the Prague Spring
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