Jan 20, 2000

(commenting on January RW column). I spent an evening with Emil Zatopek last June at his home in Prague. Zatopek had a mild stroke in February 1999, but he was able to get around well; he did at times have trouble with speech. Dana, his wife, is very fit and they are very much the loving couple.

We were all having beer at the table, but Dana also had a shot of cherry brandy with her beer. Emil, however, was not allowed any brandy because of his medication.

After pouring herself a second brandy, Dana went to the kitchen to get me another beer. As soon as she was out of sight, Emil snatched the shot and downed it quickly with a huge grin on his face.

Dana returned, poured my beer and returned her attention to her drink, only to find it empty. It was quiet for a moment, then they grinned at each other and she mussed up his hair, but told him "no more!"

It was a delightful evening with a true champion. Despite his physical problems his eyes literally shined when he talked of his training and races. He is still very much on top of the distance running scene. (Russ Hoxtell, Oshkosh, Wisconsin)

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