Emil Zatopek
Emil Zatopek
Emil Zátopek; 19 September 1922 – 22 November 2000) was a Czechoslovak long-distance runner best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He won gold in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres runs, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life. He was nicknamed the "Czech Locomotive"...
NationalityCzechoslovakian
ProfessionRunner
Date of Birth19 September 1922
CityKoprivnice, Czech Republic
If you want to run, then run a mile. If you want to experience another life, run a marathon.
Perhaps sometimes I was like a mad dog. It didn't matter about style or what it looked like to others; there were records to break.
There is a great advantage in training under unfavorable conditions. It is better to train under bad conditions, for the difference is then a tremendous relief in a race.
By a persistent effort of will it is possible to change the whole body. The athlete must always keep in mind this concept of change and progression. He must never accept his limitations as being permanent, because they are not.
You can't climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your aim too high and don't fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that's reasonable, and then gradually raise it.
It is not necessary to smile and make a wonderful impression on the judges.
What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come.
One day the factory sports coach, who was very strict, pointed at four boys, including me, and ordered us to run in a race. I protested that I was weak and not fit to run, but the coach sent me for a physical examination and the doctor said that I was perfectly well. So I had to run, and when I got started I felt I wanted to win. But I only came in second. That was the way it started.
We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.
A runner must run with dreams in his heart, not money in his pocket.