Yanis LUSIS

Latvian Jānis Lūsis, who won a full set of Olympic medals, was the top javelin thrower of the world in the 1960s and early 70s. Lūsis won gold at the 1968 Olympics, silver at the 1972 Munich Games and bronze in 1964. He also competed at the 1976 Olympics, where he finished eighth. Lūsis was a four-time European champion (1962, 1966, 1969, 1971) and won the 1963 Universiade. He was also a 12-time Soviet champion (1962-66, 1968-73, 1976) and threw two world records during his career – 91.98 in 1968 and 93.80 in 1972. After finishing his athletic career, Lūsis worked as a coach and official in Latvia. He is also active in politics, as a member of Latvian Social Democratic Party. Lūsis is married to Elvīra Ozoliņa, who won Olympic javelin gold in 1960 and their son Voldemārs Lūsis is also a javelin thrower, who participated at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Personal Best: JT – 93.80 (1972).