Born: 25 April 1932
Died: 9 January 1998
Biography:
Lia Manoliu (Romanian pronunciation: [li.a manoli.u]; 25 April 1932 – 9 January 1998) was a Romanian discus thrower who won one gold and two bronze Olympic medals. She was the first track and field athlete to compete at six Olympics (1952–1972).
Early life; sports and education
As a teenager, Manoliu competed at the national level in tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and basketball, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. However, at the age of 16, she discovered her true passion for throwing events, particularly discus. Her talent in discus throw quickly emerged, and at the age of 18, she became the first Romanian woman to throw the disc over 40 meters, achieving a distance of 41.44 meters on May 22, 1950.
While pursuing her sporting career, Manoliu also focused on her education. In the mid-1950s, she graduated from the prestigious Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest, obtaining a degree that would complement her physical prowess with a strong academic background.
International career
Manoliu made her Olympic debut at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where she finished sixth with a throw of 42.64 meters. Four years later, at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, she improved her performance, achieving a distance of 43.90 meters and securing a ninth-place finish.
The pinnacle of Manoliu’s Olympic success came at the 1960 Games in Rome. In the first round, she took the lead with a remarkable throw of 52.36 meters. Although she was unable to surpass this distance, her throw was enough to earn her the bronze medal, cementing her status as one of Romania’s finest track and field athletes.
At the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Manoliu initially found herself outside the podium after the fourth round. However, displaying remarkable resilience and determination, she produced a throw of 56.96 meters, securing her second Olympic bronze medal.
Facing obstacles and overcoming adversity, Manoliu continued to pursue her athletic dreams. In the winter of 1967–68, despite being informed by the Romanian Athletics Federation that she was deemed too old to compete at the Olympics and advised not to attend training sessions, she defied the odds. Through months of individual training, she persevered and ultimately qualified for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
Carrying an arm injury and against the advice of the team doctor, Manoliu astounded the world. On her first attempt, she threw an impressive 58.28 meters, securing the gold medal and etching her name in Olympic history.
Manoliu’s illustrious career extended beyond the Olympics. In 1969, she won the UK national WAAA discus title at Crystal Palace, showcasing her continued dominance in the field. In 1972, she finished ninth in the discus final at the Olympics, achieving a throw of 58.50 meters.
After retirement
Following her retirement from competitive athletics shortly after the 1972 Games, Manoliu devoted herself to the advancement of sports and fair competition. In 1974, she was honored with the UNESCO Fair Play Prize, recognizing her unwavering support for the ideals of fair and loyal competition.
From 1973 until her untimely death, Manoliu played a significant role in the Romanian Olympic Committee. Initially serving as vice-president, she eventually became the president in 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the development and promotion of Romanian sports.
Manoliu’s contributions to the world of sports were widely recognized. In 1975, she was awarded the Olympic Order in bronze as a testament to her commitment and achievements. In 1994, the International Olympic Committee bestowed upon her the prestigious Centennial Trophy, further highlighting her lasting impact on the Olympic movement.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Manoliu held various positions of influence and leadership. She served as a member of the IAAF Women’s Committee from 1976 to 1995 and was appointed as a member of the Romanian Senate during the 1990–1992 legislature.
Death and legacy
Tragically, Lia Manoliu passed away on January 9, 1998, after suffering a heart attack during surgery for a brain tumor. Her untimely death was mourned by the sporting community, which had lost one of its most revered and accomplished figures.
Manoliu’s legacy endures, representing the epitome of dedication, perseverance, and trailblazing spirit. As the first woman in her sport to compete at six consecutive Olympics, she shattered barriers and paved the way for future female athletes. Her contributions to women’s sports and her unwavering commitment to fair play continue to inspire generations of athletes around the world.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal – Discus Throw, 1968 Olympics (Mexico City)
– Olympic Bronze Medal – Discus Throw, 1960 Olympics (Rome)
– Olympic Bronze Medal – Discus Throw, 1964 Olympics (Tokyo)
– UNESCO Fair Play Prize, 1974
– Olympic Order in Bronze, 1975
– International Olympic Committee Centennial Trophy, 1994