Vilem MANDLIK

Vilém Mandlík was the top Czechoslovak sprinter for the decade from 1955-65. He started out as a long sprinter, winning national titles at 200 metres in 1956, 1958, and 1960. But he then moved to the 100 as well, winning national titles at both distances in 1961-62 and 1964-65, giving him 11 Czechoslovakian titles in all. In addition to his Olympic appearances, Mandlík competed at the 1958 and 1962 European Championships, placing fourth in the 1958 200 metres, and running on the Czechoslovak 4×100 team (with Václav Janeček, Jiří Kynos, and the non-Olympian František Mikluščák) that also placed fourth in 1958. In 1962 he ran both the 100 and 200, but failed to advance past the semi-finals in either event. But Mandlík is likely best known as the father of Hana Mandlíková, the professional tennis player who won four Grand Slam singles titles and is a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Personal Bests: 200 – 20.8 (1958); 400 – 47.5 (1959).