Luigi Beccali

Born in Milan, Luigi Beccali, as a youth, was fascinated by cycling and track and field athletics, but choose the latter, when he met the coach Dino Nai.[1]

Luigi Beccali, an Italian champion in 1500 m from 1928 to 1931, became a national hero overnight when he won the Olympic 1500 m gold at Los Angeles.

In 1933, Beccali ran three world records. At first he equalled Jules Ladoumègue's world record 3:49.2, then lowered it to 3:49.0. At the end of the year he also set the 1,000 yd (910 m) world record of 2:10.0.

Beccali won the 1500 m at the first European Championships in 1934, but was outrun by Jack Lovelock at the 1936 Summer Olympics, settling for third place in 1500 m. He was again third in 1500 m at the European Championships in 1938. He also won the Italian championships from 1934 to 1938 in 1500 m and at 1935 in the 5000 m.

Beccali was originally a council surveyor, responsible for road maintenance. His work schedule allowed him to train twice a day. He eventually moved to the United States, and retired from running there in 1941, becoming a wine trader.[1]

• Legends of Italian sport - Walk of Fame
• FIDAL Hall of Fame

• Luigi Beccali at Olympics at Sports-Reference.com (archived)

Records
Preceded by Jules Ladoumegue	Men's 1,500 m World Record Holder 9 October 1933 – 30 June 1934	Succeeded by Bill Bonthron
Preceded by Jules Ladoumegue	European Record Holder Men's 1500m 9 September 1933 – 2 October 1937	Succeeded by Miklós Szabó