Emil Zátopek-Greatest Runner of All Time

Emil Zátopek was a Czech long-distance runner best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He won gold in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters runs, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life.
In February 2013, the editors at Runner's World Magazine selected him as the Greatest Runner of All Time. He is the only person to win the 5,000 meters (24 July 1952), 10,000 meters (20 July 1952) and Marathon (27 July 1952), in the same Olympic Games.

[@souvikghosh1323]

Emil had set standards for life not just sport, thank you Emil!

[@paulwilliams8389]

Amazing runner. Even better human being.

[@kecenavrtep]

“If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” Emil Zátopek

[@warrenermish1454]

What he achieved in one Olympic Games will never be reproduced. And back then, it was pure, no cheating no drugs.Has to be considered one of the greatest runners of all time time.

[@Aiwendill]

the only person that ALMOST reproduced this achievement - olympic treble - was Lasse Viren (FIN) at Montreal 1976 Olympics. Won 5000 and 10000 but ended fifth in the marathon...

[@stefank7144]

True legend, greatest ever..that record never be broken for sure....

[@ajoybaksi3654]

A good film. Many will agree that Zatopek was the greatest runner of all time. It is incredible to note the loud chants of "Zatopek, Zatopek" from the spectators towards the end of each race. If I could attend one track meet (one day) it would be the last day of the Helsinki Olympics. The great reception given to Zatopek when he enters an electric atmosphere in the stadium. The Jamaican 4 x 400 m team had just beaten out the USA in WR time, due primarily to an incredible (3rd) leg by Herb McKenley. The victorious Jamaicans carried Zatopek around the track on their shoulders. Near the ned of the marathon clip, is that Paavo Nurmi shown watching from the sidelines? An addition. Perhaps the all-time greatest field venter ever was Jan Zelezny, the javelinist. Three Oly golds plus a silver, numerous world records, including the last one which still stands today almost thirty years later; great domination of the all-time longest throws even today some two decades after his retirement. Final thought: How come the two greatest track and field athletes of all time both came from Czechoslovakia?

[@mariekrejcova5818]

You can add Ester Ledecka who win super G and snowboarding. :) Two different sports on winter games in modern period of OG. INCREDIBLE! I guess we have got something special in drinking water (or because the highest beer consumption per capita - who knows?)

[@markfinlay422]

I can't see anyone ever equalling what the great Zatopek did in 1952. The man was a true great un all aspects of his life and career.

[@michaelhayden5264]

What I liked about this incredible athlete, he respected Ron Clarke so much he gave him one of his gold medals!

[@paulwilliams8389]

And told Clarke "You are a far greater champion than I." What a truly humble man Zatopek was.

[@Good13man]

I have never heard this story. Incredible achievement! Thanks for putting these videos together. I love them!

[@mahtivaari72]

Lasse Viren tried to do the same than Zatopek in Montreal 1976. He won 5000m and 10000m but was fifth in the marathon.

[@wvu05]

My favorite part of his marathon was left out. At about 15 miles, Zatopek asked Peters if the pace was too fast. Peters tried to psyche him out and aaid, "No, the pace is too slow," and Zatopek immediately passed him.

[@user-kb5fi1hm3u]

An amazing runner.He set a standard that's hard to follow.

[@stanislawsuchanek8270]

Najsympatyczniejszy facecik . I Najlepszy sportowiec z prostota

[@GeoAce777]

Zatopek FOREVER🇨🇿

[@JonnyTainment]

I remember this from the Olympiad series: The Incredible Ones. There was Zatopek and there was Paavo Nurmi in there.

[@PatF-ri8fk]

In addition to Nurmi and Zatopek, the other athletes featured in The Incredible Ones were Fanny Blankers-Koen, Al Oerter and Czech gymnast Vera Caslavska. Great series and great episode.

[@JonnyTainment]

This isn't the only Olympiad vignette of Zatopek. There's also one in the Eastern European episode. We also hear how one of his gold medals belongs to Ron Clarke!

[@stanislawsuchanek8270]

Cześć Ahoy Pozdrawiam was 903

[@jamiejempire1694]

Thanks Pivotal Running for this post too. Is there any chance of getting the whole of this episode uploaded?

[@PivotalRunning]

Sorry, I will be just adding the Paavo Nurmi soon.

[@Sail-away]

And Paavo Nurmi???

[@petekadenz9465]

Sorry, but the greater middle distance runner of all time by some margin is Paavo Nurmi. Lookup his record. Zatopek was certainly one of the greats, but as great as Nurmi.