William H. Gass
American fiction writer, critic, philosophy professor
Emil Zatopekwas 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 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.
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About the Emil Zatopek
Emil Zatopekwas 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 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”.
In 1954, Zatopek was the first runner to break the 29-minute barrier in the 10,000 metres. Three years earlier in 1951, he had broken the hour for running 20 km. He was considered one of the greatest runners of the 20th century and was also known for his brutally tough training methods. He popularised interval training after World War Two.
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 metresand Marathon (27 July 1952), in the same Olympic Games.
16 Quotes by Emil Zatopek
- 1.
If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It’s raining? That doesn’t matter. I am tired? That’s besides the point. It’s simply that I just have to.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 2.
It’s at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 3.
A runner must run with dreams in his heart, not money in his pocket.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 4.
If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 5.
An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 6.
Men, today we die a little.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 7.
Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I want to learn to run fast.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 8.
To boast of a performance which I cannot beat is merely stupid vanity. And if I can beat it that means there is nothing special about it. What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 9.
Great is the victory, but the friendship of all is greater.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 10.
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.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 11.
When I was young, I was too slow. I thought I must learn to run fast by practicing to run fast, so I ran 100 meters fast 20 times. Then I came back, slow, slow, slow.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 12.
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.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 13.
What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 14.
The athlete of today is not an athlete alone. He’s the center of a team – doctors, scientists, coaches, agents and so on.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 15.
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.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
- 16.
My running was very simple; it was out of myself.
Emil ZatopekCzech long-distance runner (1922-2000)