1922
Emil Zátopek, Czech long-distance runner. It would be difficult to overstate the accomplishments of Emil Zátopek. In his debut at the 1948 (London) Olympic games, he won a gold medal in the 10,000m run and a silver medal in the 5,000m run. Returning to the Olympics in 1952 (Helsinki), he won gold medals in the 5,000m, the 10,000m, and the marathon (it was his first race at the marathon distance). Zátopek did not medal in the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics, but finished a respectable sixth in the marathon. Outside of Olympic competition, Zátopek set a total of seventeen world records at distances ranging from 5,000m to 30,000m, and he was the first runner to break 29:00 for 10,000m.
1936
Al Oerter, United States, discus thrower. Four Olympic Games. Four Olympic gold medals. Four Olympic records. Al Oerter passed away on 1 October 2007.
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