# Jan Železný

> Czech javelin thrower and sports official

**Wikidata**: [Q193187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193187)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Železný)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jan-zelezny

## Summary
Jan Železný is a Czech former javelin thrower and current sports official, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. He holds the world record in the javelin throw and has won multiple Olympic and World Championship titles.

## Biography
- Born: 16 June 1966
- Nationality: Czech (formerly Czechoslovak)
- Known for: Holding the world record in javelin throw and winning multiple Olympic gold medals
- Occupation: Former javelin thrower, sports official
- Work period: 1986–2006

## Contributions
Jan Železný competed internationally in javelin throw from 1986 to 2006, during which he set the world record and won three Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles. After retiring from competition, he has served as a sports official, including as a member of the International Olympic Committee. An asteroid, 9224 Železný, was named in his honor.

## FAQs
**What is Jan Železný’s most significant athletic achievement?**  
He holds the world record in the javelin throw and is a three-time Olympic gold medalist.

**What role does Jan Železný play in sports after retirement?**  
He is a sports official and a member of the International Olympic Committee.

**Was Jan Železný recognized outside of athletics?**  
Yes, an asteroid—9224 Železný—was named after him, and he has received the Czech Medal of Merit.

## Why They Matter
Jan Železný redefined the limits of the javelin throw, setting a world record that still stands and dominating the sport for over a decade. His performances inspired a generation of athletes in the Czech Republic and worldwide, and his transition into sports administration has allowed him to influence global athletics governance. His legacy is not only in medals but in the elevation of javelin throwing as a marquee track and field event.

## Notable For
- Three-time Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw
- Three-time World Champion in javelin throw
- Holds the world record in javelin throw
- Member of the International Olympic Committee
- Recipient of the Czech Medal of Merit
- Namesake of asteroid 9224 Železný

## Body

### Athletic Career
Jan Železný began his international athletic career in 1986, representing Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic. Over a 20-year career, he became the most decorated javelin thrower in history. He won Olympic gold medals in 1992, 1996, and 2000, and claimed World Championship titles in 1993, 1995, and 2001. His world record in the javelin throw remains unbeaten.

### Post-Retirement Role
After retiring from competition in 2006, Železný remained active in the sports world. He became a member of the International Olympic Committee, contributing to global sports governance and policy. His role involves oversight of Olympic sports, athlete welfare, and the development of international competition standards.

### Recognition and Legacy
Železný’s impact extends beyond his athletic achievements. In 1990, he was awarded the Czech Medal of Merit, one of the highest civilian honors in the Czech Republic. In 1996, the asteroid 9224 Železný was named in his honor, cementing his place not only in sports history but also in astronomical records.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [The Fine Art Archive](https://cs.isabart.org/person/92935)
3. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
4. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
6. World Athletics database
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. [iDNES.cz. 2019](https://www.idnes.cz/revue/vztahy-a-sex/jan-zelezny-druha-svatba-andrea-drapalova-ostepar-sverenkyne.A190902_090121_sex_zar)
10. [2019](https://www.extra.cz/prvni-foto-ze-svatby-jan-zelezny-si-vzal-mladickou-atletku)
11. Olympedia
12. [Source](https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/199874)