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The exploits of the great Emil Zatopek are among the features in the latest edition of On This Week.

1992: Sporting world unites in Barcelona - July 25

After years of boycotts, bans and bickering, the world finally came together in the name of sport on this week 16 years ago when all the countries of the world decided to compete at the Olympic Games for the first time in Barcelona. Baltic trio Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania made their first post-war appearances, while the collapse of the Soviet Union created a further 12 new countries who took part as a 'united team'. South Africa came back after the end of apartheid, Germany competed as one and Cuba, North Korea and Ethiopia all returned. There was a late worry about Yugoslavia but they were allowed to compete despite UN sanctions against them. Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina also entered national teams.

1989: Laurent Fignon's near miss - 23 July

France were ready to celebrate a third Tour de France victory for their local hero in 1989 as he entered the final stage - a 25km time trial - 50 seconds ahead of nearest rival Greg Lemond. American Lemond used tri-bars to enable a new and more aerodynamic riding position, and a new type of teardrop-shaped aerodynamic helmet. Fignon opted for a more Corinthian approach - normal road handlebars, no helmet, a painful derriere thanks to saddle sores and, just for good measure, a ponytail to create additional drag. The result? Fignon lost 58 seconds and the yellow jersey in the most dramatic finale in race history. If only the Tele Savalas look was popular in Gallic culture.

1986: Bruno loses first title fight - July 20

Frank Bruno came up short in his first world title fight on this week 22 years ago when he was beaten by Tim Witherspoon. It had looked as if Bruno would become the first Briton to earn a heavyweight title in the 20th century as he dominated the early stages of the fight. However, as was often the case in Bruno's career, he then started to tire and was eventually knocked out in the 11th round. Lennox Lewis would go on to become Britain's first 20th century champ, although Bruno finally got his hands on the WBC title in 1995 when he out-pointed Oliver McCall.

1964: Tottenham's John White is killed - July 21

John White was a Scottish international who played a key role in the Tottenham side that won the double in the 1960-61 season. He was still a crucial member of the side in 1964 when his life was tragically cut short aged just 27. White was playing golf at Crews Hill golf course in Enfield when a thunderstorm hit. He tried to take shelter under a tree but was struck by lightning and killed.

1952: Zatopek kicks off remarkable Olympics - July 20

If there was a vote for the greatest Olympics by a single athlete then the efforts of Emil Zatopek (pictured) of Czechoslovakia in Helsinki 1952 would surely top the poll. The distance runner began his remarkable Games on this week 56 years ago when he romped home to 10,000m gold by half a lap. Within the space of eight days he went on to win gold in the 5,000m and then, most remarkably of all, the marathon. Although it was his first marathon, he was victorious in an Olympic record time.

Seán Fay / Eurosport