Today We Die a Little!

June 1, 2016

This biography of an icon of 20th century distance running is much more than the story of race times, Olympic medals, and world records. For runner and journalist Askwith (Feet in the Clouds), the Czech communist era and Cold War tensions of the 1950s and 1960s provide the context for Emil Zatopek's (1922-2000) zest for life and friendship; special connection with his fans; and record-setting running accomplishments, particularly in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Askwith explains how Zatopek devoted his life to communist politics until the Prague Spring of 1968. When the athlete spoke against totalitarianism in 1969, he was dismissed from the Communist Party, yet still considered a hero to fans worldwide. The author observes that Zatopek's labored, awkward running style and incredible training methods created a special emotion with fans who could imagine that "everyman" might become a champion through hard work. Zatopek's dedication to the sport and open heart made him a hero to his fellow competitors and to the champions that followed him. VERDICT Based on extensive interviews and research in Czech archives, this book will appeal to those interested in running, Olympic history, and the Cold War.--Mark Jones, Mercantile Lib., Cincinnati

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2016
The author makes an ambitious claim in his subtitle (The Greatest Olympic Runner of All Time) for Emil Zatopek, a Czech who, admittedly, won in the 1952 Helsinki Olympicswithin a preposterously short time spanthe 5K, 10K, and marathon. The period both before and after 1952 was a dark time in Soviet-run Czechoslovakia, and Zatopek, an army officer, was not immune from it, having signed a letter critical of executed dissident Milada Horakova, an act that Askwith works hard to justify in this generally favorable and very long biography. More pertinent for today's running fans will be the analysis of Zatopek's training methods (mostly interval running but incredible amounts of it), which were well ahead of their time. Zatopek's strange and seemingly anguished running style is also discussed thoroughly, as is his post-1968 treatment by the Soviets (Zatopek initially supported the failed uprising called Prague Spring). A worthwhile book but one whose audience will be limited to those with a strong interest in the history of Olympic runners.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)