Surrounded by photographers in his heyday, Emil Zàtopek is still the focus of media interest with the publication of several biographies this year
IN 2002 BOB PHILLIPS wrote the definitive book on Emil Zàtopek’s astonishing running career with detailed descriptions of his key races and all the statistics any track nut could wish for. The title was “Zàtopek! Zàtopek! Zàtopek!” and the sub-title was “The life & times of the world’s greatest distance runner”.
Since then, Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele could claim that distinction, but for fans of my generation at least, Emil remains the greatest and it’s fitting that 15 years after his death his achievements should continue to be celebrated. Two books were published simultaneously in late April: this one and Richard Askwith’s Today WeDie A Little: The Rise & Fall of Emil Zàtopek (Yellow Jersey Press, £16.99). What’s more, there’s another biography, by Pat Butcher, to follow later in the year!
Read the complete article and many more in this issue of
AW – Athletics Weekly Magazine
Purchase options below
If you own the issue,
Login to read the full article now.
Single Digital Issue
12052016
This issue and other back issues are not included in a new AW – Athletics Weekly Magazine subscription. Subscriptions include the latest regular issue and new issues released during your subscription.
Annual Digital Subscription
€59,99
billed annually
6 Month Digital Subscription
€35,99
billed twice a year