BelgiumBiography
Belgium's first Olympic champion. Competed two Olympics (1948, 1952) and won 5000 metres race in London to defeating Emil Zatopek.
He established 3000m world record in 1949 and retained it until 1955. Reiff also won a bronze medal in European Championships.
TRIVIA
♦ Practised boxing and football before athletics.
♦ Won 24 national titles and broke 26 Belgian records.