An excellent Czech athlete - a javelin thrower. He is considered one of the best javelin throwers of all time. He is a holder of six world records and four Olympic medals - three of these are gold medals. In 1996 and 2000 he was declared the best European Athlete and in 2000 he was also declared the best World Athlete .
In 1993, 1995, 2000 and 2001 he was declared CZ Sportsman of the year and also CZ Athlete of the year.
His last world record of 98.48 metres from 1996, which he established at the event in Jena, has remained unbroken.
At the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 his colleagues elected him to the committee of sportsman in the Internal Olympic committee .
He ended his sports career in 2006.
In 2007 the Czech Fair Play Club and the Czech Olympic Committee gave Jan Železný the Fair Play award for his unique career.