Latvia's former Olympic javelin champion Lusis dies aged 80

Janis Lusis, Latvia's 1968 Summer Olympics gold medallist in javelin throw, runs in a relay race during an attempt to break the Guinness world record for "the most participants taking part in a 100-meter relay over 24 hours" in Riga October 18, 2008. [REUTERS/Ints Kalnins (LATVIA)]

Latvia's former Olympic javelin champion Janis Lusis has died of cancer at the age of 80, the global governing body of athletics said in a statement.  

Lusis, who competed in four Olympic Games between 1964 and 1976 representing the Soviet Union, won a bronze medal in Tokyo 1964 before clinching gold in Mexico City four years later.