Dana Zátopková, a
Olympic javelin gold medalist from Helsinki 1952, has sadly passed away today, aged 97. You might more probably know her late husband
Emil Zátopek, 5 times long distance running Olympic champion and probably the greatest Sportsman our country has ever had, nicknamed "The
Locomotive". Coming from Zlín, my city of birth, both of them have been amongst my biggest idols since my childhood. I remember Dana awarding me my first (and last worth mentioning
) running medal 22 years ago, when I was a little brat and didn't yet know who exactly was that funny granny next to me.
As a trivia point, they had both been born on the exact same date and also Dana won her Olympic gold on the same day as Emil won his 5000m, just one hour apart. Later on, Emil cockily presented this to the local
newspaper as "his victory inspiring his wife to get one of her own". However, the world record holding Dana had a comeback - "oh very well then, there's plenty of girls in the competition, try inspiring one of them and let's see how far they'll be able to throw!".
View attachment 293
Life was not kind to them, they couldn't have any children and as a "thank you" for all his representation, the communist regime forced Emil to work in the uranium mines. Despite all the obstacles, they remained very down-to-earth and friendly people.
After 20 years of separation, I'd like to believe Dana and Emil are together again. May they rest in peace.
3-0 
and Brazil 
will fight for the Gold and Silver
