Emil Zátopek was a Czech long-distance runner, born on September 19, 1922, in Kopřivnice, Czechoslovakia. He is best known for his remarkable achievements in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly during the Olympic Games. Zátopek won three gold medals at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, making him the first athlete to win both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters in the same Olympics, along with the marathon.
Zátopek was famous for his unique training methods, which included high-intensity interval training. His relentless work ethic and distinctive running style earned him the nickname "the Czech Locomotive." He is often regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history, inspiring many athletes worldwide.