Olympic Javelin champions dies aged 80
Sports
By
Reuters
| Apr 30, 2020
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.
Considered one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time, Lusis earned a full set of Olympic medals by winning the silver in the Munich Games in 1972.
He also won four European titles and set two world records - 91.98m in 1968 and 93.80m in 1972 - during an international career that spanned 15 years, following which he worked as a coach and official in Latvia.
In 2014, Lusis was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the International Association of Athletics Federations - now World Athletics.
READ MORE
UN General Assembly declares 2026 as int'l year of women farmers
Harness nuclear science to quench thirst of water-starved populations
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
About 420 families face eviction from disputed 63-acre prime land
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
Judge extends orders on Sh4.6 billion land as woman distances herself from invasion
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
He married 1960 Olympic champion Elvira Ozolina in 1969 and their son Voldermars is also an international javelin thrower who competed at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.