Emil Zatopeck an outstanding long distance runner

Premasara EPASINGHE

Emil Zatopeck of Checkoslavakia, was one of the most outstanding long distance runners in the world. He took part in the 1952 Olympic Games, held at Helsinki - capital of Finland.

He was born in Checozlovakia in 1922. His parents were villagers. At a very young age, Zatopeck, started working in shoe factory. Hard-working Zatopeck's ambition was to save money to further his higher studies. This disciplined determined youth, pursued his studies in foreign languages and in chemistry. He obtained his diploma in these subjects and later joined the Army.

Zatopeck, was a kind-hearted, charming, pleasant human being. He was a popular figure in the Army and very soon he was promoted to the rank of a Major.

Emil Zatopek

He took a liking to long distance running, after joining the army. Running was part and parcel of his army training. With army boots on, Zatopeck ran 15 to 20 miles per day. He took this exercise as a challenge. Some days, even during winter season, he used to run daily in mountainous, rugged roads. He enjoyed his running.

In 1946, he rode a bicycle, for 200 miles to Berlin, an industrial city, capital of Germany, to take part in 5000 m race. This was an auspicious start to a highly distinguished athletic career. Emil Zatopeck, won this 5000m event and became the darling of 65,000 spectators in the stadium. In the following year, 1947, he participated in the Finland National Games, beat Viljo Hino, in the 5000m race.

With these victories, his moral was high. In the Olympic Games held in London, England, he ran 500m and was placed second to Belgium's Gaston Reyaft, by a mere whisker. After a very close finish, he lost to Gaston Reyaft by 0.2 seconds. Although, he was the runners-up in 5000 metres, Zatopeck, won the 10,000 metres, Gold by pushing Allein Maimoon of France to the second position.

Zatopeck had his own style of running. When he gets into a speedy rythem, he moves his head to his left and to his right His unortodex style of running was not that stylish to watch. Success was his never say die policy. When he accelerate his speed, he was seen panting and use to make a consistent sound from his mouth. Because of this sound Zatopeck earned an Epithet - "Chekozlavakian Train."

In the Helisinki Marathon held in 1952, there was stiff competition to Zatopeck from Great Britians Chris Whatwe and Maimoon of France. At the beginning of the race, Whatwe led. Midway, he fell by the way side and it way a Battle between Zatopeck and Maimoon. Zatopeck balanced his running well. As this race was an "Endurance Teri" of the highest order, he stored "His Gas" to let it out at the last 200 yards. Unfortunately, Whatwe, developed a problem in his foot and had to give up the race at the closing stages. Then Maimoon challenged Zatopeck. Ultimately, Zatopeck clinched the issue and won a Gold, establishing an Olympic Record.

He won the 10,000 metres too, establishing an Olympic Record.

This great Runner Emil Zatopeck, won the Marathon Race, very easily too.

From 1949 to 1955, Emil Zatopeck, established eighteen (18) World Records. The distance ranged from 5000 to 30,000 metres. Further, during the period from 1951 to 1956, for long distance running he held many official records. He was an amazing long distance runner, the world had seen.

One and half months before the Commencement of Melbourne Olympics in 1956, Zatopeck had to undergo a hernia operation. The doctors advised him to rest for two months. He was so determined to participate in the Marathon Race, he commenced rigorous training in few days after surgery, against Medical advice. In this Marathon held at Melbourne, he was placed sixth. His arch rival Aeilen Maimoon won the Marathon and annexed the Gold.

This great sportsman - Emil Zatopeck congratulated the winner Maimoon and embraced him - True spirit of a Great sportsman. He was a Great Gentleman.