# Jānis Lūsis

> Latvian javelin thrower (1939-2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q318923](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318923)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jānis_Lūsis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/janis-lusis

## Summary
Jānis Lūsis was a Latvian javelin thrower, widely recognized as one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of the sport. He was a three-time Olympic champion and set multiple world records during his career under the Soviet Union, representing both athletic excellence and national pride in the field of athletics.

## Biography
- Born: May 19, 1939
- Nationality: Latvian, Soviet
- Known for: Being a legendary javelin thrower who dominated the sport in the 1960s and 1970s
- Field(s): Athletics (javelin throw)

## Contributions
Jānis Lūsis is best known for his dominance in javelin throwing, where he set multiple world records and won three Olympic gold medals. His achievements include:
- Setting the world record in 1966 with a throw of 91.72 meters, which stood for several years.
- Winning Olympic gold medals in 1964, 1968, and 1972.
- Earning the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR, an elite recognition for athletes.
- Receiving the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and the Order of the Badge of Honour from the Soviet Union.

## FAQs
### What is Jānis Lūsis known for?
Jānis Lūsis is known for being one of the greatest javelin throwers in history, with three Olympic gold medals and multiple world records to his name.

### What awards did Jānis Lūsis receive?
He was honored with the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR and received the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and the Order of the Badge of Honour.

### What were Jānis Lūsis's most significant achievements?
His most significant achievements include winning gold medals at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympics and setting a world record in 1966.

### What country did Jānis Lūsis represent?
He represented the Soviet Union in international competitions, though he was ethnically Latvian.

### When did Jānis Lūsis pass away?
He passed away on April 29, 2020.

## Why They Matter
Jānis Lūsis redefined the sport of javelin throwing through his record-breaking performances and Olympic dominance. His achievements brought international recognition to the event and inspired generations of athletes. His legacy is not only in medals and records but also in elevating the profile of javelin throwing in the Soviet Union and globally.

## Notable For
- Three-time Olympic champion in javelin throw (1964, 1968, 1972)
- Setting a world record of 91.72 meters in 1966
- Being awarded the Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR
- Receiving the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and the Order of the Badge of Honour
- Representing the Soviet Union with distinction in international athletics

## Body

### Early Life and Career
Jānis Lūsis was born on May 19, 1939, in Latvia, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He began competing in athletics during the 1960s and quickly rose to prominence in javelin throwing. His early training and competitive career were supported by the Soviet Union's sports system, which identified and nurtured top-tier athletes.

### Athletic Achievements
Lūsis became a dominant figure in javelin throwing, setting a world record in 1966 with a throw of 91.72 meters. This record stood for several years and was a testament to his technical skill and physical prowess. He won gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games:
- **1964 Tokyo Olympics**
- **1968 Mexico City Olympics**
- **1972 Munich Olympics**

These victories established him as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time.

### Recognition and Awards
As a result of his achievements, Lūsis was honored with several prestigious awards:
- **Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR** – a title given to the most elite Soviet athletes.
- **Order of the Red Banner of Labour** – a high civilian honor in the Soviet Union.
- **Order of the Badge of Honour** – a recognition of his contributions to Soviet sports.

### Legacy
Jānis Lūsis passed away on April 29, 2020, but his legacy in the sport of javelin throwing remains influential. His records and Olympic medals continue to be a source of inspiration for athletes in Latvia and beyond. His impact is felt not only in the medals he won but also in the standards he set for future javelin throwers.

### Influence on Latvian and Soviet Sports
As a Latvian representing the Soviet Union, Lūsis became a symbol of national pride. His achievements elevated the status of Latvian athletes on the global stage and demonstrated the strength of the Soviet sports system. His success inspired a generation of javelin throwers and contributed to the legacy of excellence in athletics within the Soviet Union.

### Personal Details and Identity
- **Citizenship**: Soviet Union (by residence), Latvia (by birth)
- **Occupation**: Javelin thrower
- **Affiliation**: Represented the Soviet Union in international competitions
- **Physical attributes**: Height: 180 cm; Weight: 90 kg

### Records and Statistics
- **World Record (1966)**: 91.72 meters
- **Olympic Medals**: 3 golds (1964, 1968, 1972)
- **Awards**: 
  - Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR
  - Order of the Red Banner of Labour
  - Order of the Badge of Honour

### Conclusion
Jānis Lūsis's life and career stand as a monument to excellence in athletics. His achievements in javelin throwing not only brought him fame but also elevated the profile of the sport in the Soviet Union and internationally. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and remains a cornerstone of Latvian and Soviet sports history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. World Athletics database
4. [Source](https://www.delfi.lv/sports/news/other_kinds/atlethics/miris-legendarais-latvijas-skepmetejs-janis-lusis.d?id=52100455)
5. [Source](https://www.worldathletics.org/news/iaaf-news/janis-lusis-obituary)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013