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Janis DalinsLatvian track and field athlete
Date of Birth: 05.11.1904
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Debut
- First Record and International Recognition
- 1932 Los Angeles Olympics
- World Records and European Success
- 1936 Berlin Olympics
- Later Career and Legacy
Early Life and Debut
Latvian athlete Jānis Daliņš, born on June 11, 1904, in Valmiera, Latvia, emerged as a notable figure in sports at the age of 22. On May 27, 1927, he made his debut in walking competitions, surprising everyone by winning the 5 km race against the reigning Latvian record holder.
First Record and International Recognition
Within months of his debut, Daliņš set his first Latvian record in the 5 km event. In 1929, he represented Latvia in international competitions, starting with the Berlin meet. His first world record came on June 16, 1932, in Riga, where he completed the 25-mile walk in 3:32:26. This achievement sparked immense pride in Latvia and popularized walking as a sport.
1932 Los Angeles Olympics
At the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, Daliņš became the first Latvian athlete to win an Olympic medal. Competing in the 50 km walk for the first time, he endured scorching heat and finished with a time of 4:57:20, securing a silver medal behind Tommy Green of Great Britain.
World Records and European Success
Daliņš continued to showcase his exceptional abilities. On June 1, 1933, in Riga, he set four world records in a single race: 20 km (1:34:26.6), 15 miles (1:56:09.8), 25 km (2:00:45.9), and 2 hours (24 843 m). In 1934, he achieved another triumph by winning the inaugural European Athletics Championships in Turin.
1936 Berlin Olympics
Daliņš entered the 1936 Berlin Olympics as the favorite in the 50 km walk. However, despite leading for the first 32 km, he was forced to withdraw due to leg cramps at the 36 km mark.
Later Career and Legacy
After the Berlin Olympics, Daliņš returned to his farm, where he focused on his work. He turned down invitations to compete abroad due to his commitments. Daliņš intended to represent Latvia in the 1940 Helsinki Olympics but was unable to fulfill that dream due to the outbreak of World War II. He won his last Latvian championship title in 1942 and fled to Germany with his family in 1944.
In 1947, Daliņš competed in Nuremberg and won his final race. In 1949, he immigrated to Australia, working as a carpenter in Benalla and later in Melbourne. He passed away on June 11, 1978, at the age of 74, while returning from a 600-kilometer fishing trip. Daliņš is remembered as a true icon in Latvian sports and is honored with memorials and tributes.