Remigius Machura

Who is Remigius Machura?

Remigius Machura is a retired shot putter who represented Czechoslovakia. His career highlights include a bronze medal at the first World Championships and a gold medal at the first World Indoor Championships. He also represented his country at the 1988 Summer Olympics where he finished fifth. His personal best put of 21.93 metres puts him 20th in the all-time performers list and he remains the Czech record holder in the event indoors and outdoors.

He was banned from the sport for life in 1985 for using Stanozolol, but this ruling was overturned just two years later. After retirement, Machura openly admitted to using banned substances throughout his career. In 2000, an investigation headed by Dr. Jan Hnizdil revealed a secret state-sponsored doping programme in 1980s Czechoslovakia. Elite athletes were forced into doping, known as the "Program of Specialized Care", and Machura acknowledged that he had been a participant and claimed a number of other prominent Czechoslovakian athletes were also involved.

Machura has a son, also named Remigius Machura, who is a shot putter as well. In September 2010 he got 2-year doping ban.