Slovenian sports fans visiting one of Ljubljana’s retirement homes may glimpse a legend among the residents: track-and-field athlete Draga Stamejčič, who once tied a world record – an accomplishment that still stands today. After her achievement, however, an injury forced Stamejčič into early retirement, and she was eventually all but forgotten, even in her native land.

Born in Ljubljana in 1937, Stamejčič was an extraordinarily gifted athlete even at a young age, and she grew up to become an excellent pentathlete. She also excelled in 80-meter hurdles, and in 1958, she became the Yugoslav champion in that discipline.

After her disappointing debut at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Stamejčič became determined to succeed at the Tokyo games four years later.

She underwent strict training under the supervision of Fedor Gradišnik, a tough but respected Slovenian coach. Stamejčič’s hard work eventually paid off: Competing at an event in Celje two weeks before her departure to the Olympics, she managed to tie the world record in 80-meter hurdles.

At the Tokyo games, Stamejčič finished fifth in the decathlon and set the Yugoslav long jump record, but an unfortunate knee injury then almost sent her home. Ignoring doctors’ orders, she continued to compete despite the intense pain. Persevering to the every end, she finished seventh in 80-meter hurdles. The results were far from her recently set world record, but in the light of her injury, they were still an admirable achievement.

Stamejčič underwent surgery immediately after the Olympics, and eventually retired from track and field to spend more time with her family.

Her sporting success was soon forgotten. She did not receive an award for her world record until 1985, more than 20 years after the fact. When Slovenian media remembered the country’s sporting legends, Stamejčič’s name was often conspicuously absent, even though she remained Slovenia’s sole holder of a world record in outdoor track and field.

Despite being overlooked, Stamejčič’s 1964 feat has ensured her sporting immortality: Just a few years after her world record, international athletics authorities decided to replace the 80-meter hurdles discipline with 100-meter hurdles – guaranteeing that Stamejčič’s record will forever remain unbroken.

Stamejčič passed away in August 2015.