Gaston Reiff
Gaston Reiff Etienne ( born February 24, 1921 in Braine -l'Alleud (up to 1995 Brabant, since Walloon Brabant, Belgium); † 6 May 1992 ) was a Belgian athlete who competed in long -distance events. Reiff was the first Belgian ever Olympic champion in athletics discipline.
His greatest achievement is the Olympic gold medal in London in 1948 in the 5000 - meter race in the time of 14.14,2 min, where he was able to beat the Czechs Emil Zatopek. (Called the " Czech Locomotive" ) Zatopek was his best friend later.
Reiff stated in his career three world records: in 1948 over 2000 meters, 1949 meters over 3000 and 1953 over 2 miles. In 1951, he was the owner of all Belgian records from 1000 meters to 10,000 meters. Overall, he set 26 national records and was 24 times Belgian champion. In 1952 he took part in the Olympic Games in Helsinki, but disappointing ending for him, he had to give up but in the final of the 5000 -meter run. 1958 ended Reiff his career. In his birthplace Braine -l'Alleud today carries a road and a stadium its name. He is buried in the cemetery of Ophain, a village part of his birthplace.