Olympedia – Ludvík Daněk

Biographical information

Roles	Competed in Olympic Games • Other
Sex	Male
Full name	Ludvík•Daněk
Used name	Ludvík•Daněk
Born	6 January 1937 in Horřce, Jihomoravský kraj (CZE)
Died	16 November 1998 in Horní Bečva, Zlínský kraj (CZE)
Measurements	193 cm / 123 kg
Affiliations	KPS Brno, Brno (CZE) / Sparta Praha, Praha (CZE)
NOC	Czechoslovakia
Nationality	Czechia

Medals	OG
Gold	1
Silver	1
Bronze	1
Total	3

Biography

Daněk was the first discus thrower to surpass 65 metres, breaking his own World Record in October 1965. A year later, he also cleared 66 metres, but this mark was never ratified because it had to be measured by Daněk himself. The Czechoslovakian thrower was a favourite at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics, but saw his attempts frustrated by American Al Oerter, who won his third and fourth consecutive Olympic titles. Major titles eluded Ludvík Daněk until 1971, when he won the European Championships. He crowned his career the following year, finally winning the Olympic title as well. Following his active career, Daněk became a sports administrator, and was elected vice-president of the Czech athletics federation.

Personal Best: DT – 67.18 (1974).

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Ludvík Daněk