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
Emil Burian repertoire, including Přemysl in Bedřich Smetana's "Libuše", Tomeš in Smetana's "The Kiss", Vladislav in Smetana's "Dalibor", and the title role in Antonín Dvořák's "The Jacobin". Other high points in his repertoire included Telramund in Richard Wagner's "Lohengrin", Amfortas in Wagner's "Parsifal", and Figaro in "The Barber of Seville". Emil Burian Emil Burian (12 December 1876 in Rakovník – 9 October 1926 in Prague) was a Czech operatic baritone. He was the father of composer Emil František Burian and the grandfather of Czech songwriter and poet Jan Burian. Born in Rakovník, he was the younger brother of the famous Czech tenor