Athletes have long used their high-visibility platforms to comment on social issues and raise awareness. Věra Čáslavská, a gymnast from the now Czech Republic, is not only famous for her unparalleled success at the Olympic Games but her strong stance against the Soviet invasion of her country.

Čáslavská was born on May 3, 1942. She had initially begun her athletic career as an ice skater but only experienced phenomenal success after turning to gymnastics. She medaled in several international championships before showcasing her talents in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, where she won three gold medals. However, circumstances arose that made it seem like it would be impossible for her to repeat such success at the next Games.

In January of 1968, Prague Spring had begun. Headed by politician and communist party leader Alexander Dubček, this reformation sought to bring greater freedoms, like the media and individuals' ability to express themselves, along with plans for the government to become more democratic. In particular, one document, the "Two Thousand Words" manifesto, was influential in its call for progress.

This period of greater social freedom was quickly cut short, as the Soviets feared that Czechoslovakia's changes would spread to the other countries under communist control. In the summer of 1968, the Spring ended when Soviet tanks invaded Czechoslovakia, and all of Dubček's reforms were soon repealed.

Věra Čáslavská had been a proponent of political change and signed the "Two Thousand Words" manifesto. Now, fearing arrest for what was viewed as dissent, she was forced to flee to an isolated location to finish her training for the Mexico City Olympics scheduled to be held only months later. Čáslavská used a log as her balance beam, shoveled coal to strengthen her hands, and lifted potato sacks to keep her strength.

The lack of a formal facility, however, did not prevent her from dominating at the Games. Čáslavská won four gold medals, one of them sparking a controversy that would make her a household name. The gold she won in the floor competition was shared with another athlete, a Soviet gymnast, after the scores were rumored to have been changed in the latter's favor. As the USSR's national anthem was played, Čáslavská turned her head away to show her disapproval of the country's invasion of her home.

This subtle gesture prevented her from continuing a career in sports. It wasn't until after the transfer of power during the Velvet Revolution did Čáslavská become president of the Czechoslovakian Olympic Committee and later the Czech Olympic Committee after the Czech Republic split from Slovakia. She was eventually admitted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1998 for her success.

Not only because of her skills as a gymnast and the obstacles she overcame, but her stance as an outspoken political activist has caused Věra Čáslavská to become a national figure. Her example will continue to inspire athletes worldwide to use their place in the public eye to raise awareness of social issues.

Written by Erin Schachtner