Bob Zháňal

Bohumír “Bob” Zháňal was a distance runner who competed at the 1960 Roma Olympics in the steeplechase, his best event. His career began with the Sokol Břeclav club. Zháňal was world ranked #4 in the steeplechase in 1957 and 1959, and set two Czechoslovak records in that event in 1963, with a best of 8:39.8. He won six national titles in the steeplechase (1957-58, 1961-64) and two in 4 km cross-country (1959, 1961). Zháňal was capped 26 times, and competed at the 1958 and 1962 European Championships.

Zháňal studied education in school and later worked as a coach in Zlín. He also worked in athletics administration and as a judge at meets. In 2003 he was given an Honorary Membership in AK Zlín and in 2004 received the Emil Zátopek Award. In his honor, a run for primary school pupils is held in Hrušky every year.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:39.8 (1963).