July 24 – Golden day for Zátopeks
The future couple was born on September 19, 1922. They met in 1948 at a competition in Zlín. On the day Emil and Dana met, they also broke the first national records of their careers. When they left for the London Olympics in the summer of 1948, they were in love. Emil won his first Olympic gold there and also added a silver medal.
However, the duo’s real golden moment came four years later. On July 24th, just minutes apart, both Emil and Dana won their races. Emil also managed to secure gold in the 10,000 meters and marathon as the only Olympic athlete in history.
After returning to Czechoslovakia, Emil and Dana Zátopek were names all over the world. Especially Emil, who had won 4 Olympic golds and set 18 world records by now, had become a national hero.
In 1968, both athletes spoke out for the ongoing democratization process in Czechoslovakia, signing a 2,000-word manifesto. Zátopek was punished after the defeat of the reform movement and was largely sidelined. His name disappeared from the newspapers and the once famous athlete became a construction worker. It would take 20 years and a revolution before he could return to the national spotlight.
Video from 1952, Emil Zátopek, 5000m, Olympics, Helsinki
Despite these challenges, Emil Zátopek never lost his optimism and determination. As an athlete, he was known for his almost pained expressions while running. “I was not given the gift of running and smiling at the same time.” he once said. The famous running story would also serve as inspiration for director David Ondříček’s 2021 film Zátopek.
Dana and Emil Zátopek were known as a loving and harmonious couple. Emil died in 2000 at the age of 78. Dana died twenty years later at the blessed age of 97.