Track spikes Emil Zatopek, a distance runner from Czech Republic, wore them during the 1952 Olympics in Helesinki. The front of the sole features a rigid or semi-rigid spike plate containing between 3 and 9 threaded holes called spike wells. Spikes can be screwed into each well using a spike wrench. Recently, some individuals have attempted to add a "through hole" at the bottom of the spike to make them easier to tighten, remove, and install. Some shoes have permanent or "fixed" spikes which are not meant to be removed. Spikes may break during competition. Track shoes are exceptionally light, some shoes
Dave Stephens (runner) in Bucharest, Romania, aiming to meet and learn the training regime of Emil Zatopek. The two formed a friendship, and Stephens trained with Zatopek for several days in Prague, Czechoslovakia before returning to Melbourne. He continued implementing these training lessons at home, and began achieving world-class times over distances of 3 and 6 miles. Stephens was further trained by coach Percy Cerutty. Stephens won the 3 and 6 mile events at the 1955 Australian Athletics Championships in Adelaide. The temperature during the 6 mile race was 46 °C (115 F), and Stephens yelled abuse at race officials as he passed