Emil Zatopek
The legendary Czechoslovak runner who won three golds at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
In 1952, the Czechoslovak army officer, Emil Zatopek, won three distance-running gold medals at the Helsinki Olympics. As well as achieving a unique feat in athletics, Zatopek charmed the world at the height of the Cold War with his blend of fun, generosity and ability to speak eight languages. Simon Watts introduces archive recordings of Emil Zatopek and talks to Richard Askwith, author of "Today we die a little: The rise and fall of Emil Zatopek".
PHOTO: Emil Zatopek leading the Olympic 5,000 metres in 1952 (AFP/Getty Images)
Last on
Broadcasts
- Mon 15 Aug 2016 04:50GMT大象传媒 World Service Americas and the Caribbean
- Tue 16 Aug 2016 08:50GMT大象传媒 World Service except News Internet
- Tue 16 Aug 2016 23:50GMT大象传媒 World Service except News Internet
Olympic history
The inside and personal story of the key moments from sporting history
Sporting Witness Films
Watch sporting heroes tell their stories of astonishing achievement
Podcast
-
![]()
Sporting Witness
Personal stories of amazing moments from sporting history told by people who were there
