Origins & Early Life

Jarmila Kratochvílová (Czech pronunciation: [ˈjarmɪla ˈkratoxviːlovaː] ; born 26 January 1951 in Golčův Jeníkov) is a Czechoslovak former track and field athlete. She was the 1980 Olympic silver medalist in the 400 metres. In 1983, she set the world record for the 800 metres, which still stands and is currently the longest-standing world record in athletics. Only three athletes, Pamela Jelimo of Kenya (2008), Caster Semenya of South Africa (2018), and Audrey Werro of Switzerland (2026) have come within a second of Kratochvílová's mark since it was set.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

A two-time World Champion, Kratochvílová won the 400 metres and 800 metres at the 1983 World Athletics Championships, setting a world record in the 400 m, which stood for two years. She also won a silver medal in the 4 × 400 metres relay at the same championships. Kratochvílová also competed in indoor events. In 1982 she set the world indoor record in the 400 metres of 49.59 seconds; a record which stood until 2023. Kratochvílová's first major event in 1979 took place in February.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At the 1979 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Vienna, she ran the 400 metres in 51.81 seconds, breaking her own national...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1951 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1951
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