Elvira Ozolina

The first woman to get beyond 60 meters mark in athletics history. Olympic champion.

Ozolina born in St.Petersburg (then, Leningrad). Took up with athletics in Burevestnik Club and quickly rose up. After taking bronze in Soviet Champs, she secured Universiade gold by 2.93m margin in Turin.

She started with two back-to-back world records (57.92, 59.55) before went to Rome Olympics, where she clinched title over 1952 champion Dana Zatopkova by setting Olympic record. Two years on, Ozolina took European title by formidable margin in Prague, but lost 1963 Universiade gold to German thrower Almut Brömmel. Same year, set her third world record with 59.78 in Moscow.

Prior to 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Elvira Ozolina took up Soviet title in Kiev's Central Stadium with break 60-meter barrier in women's javelin. She recorded 61.38 meters at her final attempt - exactly 1.5 meters ahead of world record, but the mark never ratified by IAAF officially. Ironically, her compatriot Yelena Gorchakova, came distant second after her in USSR Champs in that day, has secured gold medal in Tokyo by new world record (62.40) in qualifying round. In final, Ozolina made four fouls and came fifth with 54.81m. This result left her very disappointed that her hair shaved off by a Japanese hairdresser in Tokyo. (Note: Olympedia.org)

Ozolina's last two important appearances came in 1966 and 1971 European Championships, but did not reach to the podium. She closed up her career by fifth national title in 1973 at the age of 34.

PERSONAL BEST

Javelin throw: 63.96 (1973)

TRIVIA

- Married to Olympic champion, Janis Lusis in 1969. Son, Voldemars (b.1974) also a javelin thrower, contested 2004 & 2008 Games for Latvia.

- Awarded Red Banner of Labor in Soviet Union for contribution of sport.

Text by Sevket F. Erbay