Emil Zatopek (September 19, 1922-2000) achieved the impossible at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 5k, the 10k and the Marathon in spectacular fashion, setting an Olympic record in each event. Emil only made the decision to run the marathon, his first marathon ever, at the last moment. This amazing feet has never been repeated and it is likely that it won't be.

Early History

Emil was born in Koprivnice, Czechoslovakia as the sixth child of a modest family.

Emil is often credited with popularizing the intense interval training that has become a staple in modern training. He also tried many unusual training techniques that didn't catch on nearly as much. He is said to have run some workouts while restricting his breathing and also to run with his wife on his back. As these unique approaches to running show, Emil was extremely tough and got to be as good as he was through hard work.

Notable Running Achievements

• 1948 Olympics - Emil burst onto the running scene by winning the 10,000 meters (only his second race at the distance) and placing second behind Gaston Reiff of Belgium in the 5,000 meters.
• 1951 - Emil set the world one hour run record and set the world record for the 20,000 meters twice.
• 1952 Olympics - Emil completed his legendary gold trifecta winning the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and the marathon.
• 1952 - Emil set the 25k world record.
• 1954 - Emil broke the world record for the 5,000 meters.
• 1955 - Emil again set the 25k world record.
• 1956 Olympics - Recovering from a hernia operation that he had only 2 weeks before, Emil still managed a 6th place finish in the Olympic marathon.

Running Quotes

"When a person trains once, nothing happens. When a person forces himself to do a thing a hundred or a thousand times, then he certainly has developed in more ways than physical. Is it raining? That doesn't matter. Am I tired? That doesn't matter, either. Then willpower will be no problem." -Emil Zatopek