Caslavska, Vera (1942–)

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Caslavska, Vera (1942–)

Czech gymnast. Name variations: Caslavska Odlozil; Cáslavská. Born May 3, 1942, in Prague, Czechoslovakia; m. Josef Odlozil (track champion), 1968; children: Radka and Martin Odlozil.

One of the top gymnasts in the world, won 15 World and European championships; won a silver in team all-around in Rome Olympics (1960); won a silver medal for team all-around and gold medals in balance beam, vault, and all-around in Tokyo Olympics (1964); won a silver medal in all-around team and balance beam, gold medals in floor exercises, vault, uneven bars, and all-around at Mexico City Olympics (1968), becoming the 1st woman to win 4 individual gold medals in the summer games; by openly defying Communist authorities, was ostracized until the revolution. Came in 2nd to Emil Zatopek as Czech Olympian of the Century (1999).

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