The 800-metre world record of 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvílová in July 1983 remains the longest-standing mark in athletics history. Born in 1951 in Golčův Jeníkov, this Czechoslovak athlete became a dominant force on the global stage during the early 1980s, securing two world titles and multiple national records across various sprint and middle-distance events.
Olympic Breakthrough
Kratochvílová emerged as a premier sprinter during the 1980 Summer Olympics. In the 400-metre final, she finished with a time of 49.46 seconds, claiming the silver medal behind Marita Koch. This performance marked her first sub-50-second completion of the distance and served as a catalyst for her subsequent achievements in international competition.
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The year 1983 represented the peak of her professional career. At the inaugural World Athletics Championships in Helsinki, she secured gold medals in both the 400 metres and 800 metres. Her 400-metre time of 47.99 seconds established a new world record. Additionally, she earned a silver medal as part of the Czechoslovak 4 × 400 metres relay team.
Indoor and Seasonal Success
Beyond outdoor tracks, she excelled in indoor environments. In 1982, she set a world indoor record of 49.59 seconds in the 400 metres at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Milan. During a single day in June 1981 at the Štadión Pasienky in Bratislava, she established personal bests and national records in both the 100 metres and 200 metres.
Post-Competitive Life
Following the 1984 Summer Olympics boycott, which prevented her participation in Los Angeles, she continued her career until 1987. She later published a biography co-authored with her coach of 20 years, Miroslav Kváč. Her career was recognized with the Silver Medal of the President of the Senate in 2012 and the Czech Medal of Merit in 2013.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Golčův Jeníkov
- Sport: Athletics
- 800m World Record: 1:53.28
- 1980 Olympic Result: Silver medal (400m)
- Career end: 1987
- Awards: Czech Medal of Merit (2013)
- Awards: Silver Medal of the President of the Senate (2012)
Questions readers ask
Did Jarmila Kratochvílová ever win an Olympic gold medal?
No, her highest Olympic achievement was the silver medal in the 400 metres at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
How long has her 800-metre world record stood?
She set the record in 1983, and it remains the longest-standing world record in athletics.
Achievements
- Competed at 1980 Summer Olympics
- Discipline: athletics