Jiří Opavský began his career as a cyclist in 1949 in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Within just a couple of years Opavský was training for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics but ultimately did not compete. Four years later, however, he was selected to go to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics where he participated on both the road and track. While he did not finish in the road race, he had better success in the 4,000 metres team pursuit, with the Czechoslovak team reaching the quarter-finals. Back home as a track cyclist he was a nine-time national champion. Opavský was also a talented speed skater and just missed out on a chance to compete at the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympics. In 1968 he went to live in Sweden where he continued to cycle, winning multiple titles and championships in the masters categories.
Czechoslovakia
Czechia