Emil Zátopek



Emil Zátopek (September 19, 1922 – November 22, 2000) was a Czech long-distance runner best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.

Quotes

 * Essentially, we distinguish ourselves from the rest. If you want to win something, run the 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.
 * Attributed in "Making a run at the Olympic dream", an unsigned article from The StarPhoenix, 9 May 2007, at canada.com (CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.)


 * I was not talented enough to run and smile at the same time.
 * Attributed by Mike Rowbottom, "Olympic legend Zatopek dies aged 78", The Independent, 23 November 2000 (Independent Print Limited)


 * It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys.
 * Attributed in "Citius, Altius, Fortius" ("Swifter, Higher, Stronger"), an unsigned article from Khaleej Times, 8 August 2008 (Galadari Printing and Publishing Co.)


 * It is not gymnastics or ice skating, you know.
 * Attributed by Tom Knight, "Zatopek: 'human locomotive' who made Olympic history", Telegraph, 23 November 2000 (Telegraph Media Group)
 * (regarding his lack of finesse)


 * Are you running out of breath? Go faster! (Life credo)
 * From original in Czech: Nemůžeš? Přidej! or ... když nemůžeš, tak přidej!