Abdon Pamich

Abdon Pamich is considered the most successful Italian race walker of all time. Competing in the 50 km walk in five consecutive Olympics starting in 1956, Pamich won Olympic gold in 1964 and bronze in 1960. He won 50 km walk titles at the 1962 and 1966 European Championships and won the 50 km walk silver at the 1958 European Championships. At the Mediterranean Games, he won three 50 km golds (1955, 1963, 1971) and at the IAAF Race Walking World Cup he won the 50 km event in 1961, and won bronze in 1965.

Pamich also set one 50 km walk world record, when he clocked 4-03:02 in 1960. Domestically Pamich won a record 40 Italian titles – 13 in the 10,000 m track walk (1956, 1958-69), 13 in the 20 km walk (1958-69, 1971), and 14 in the 50 km (1955-69). After finishing his sporting career, Pamich, who held degrees in both psychology and sociology, worked as a psychologist with the Italian national handball team. He also worked as an athletics coach. Pamich was awarded the Gold Medal of the Italian Olympic Committee for his athletic values.

Personal Bests: 20kmW – 1-28:06 (1964); 50kmW – 4-03:02 (1960).