Famous Polish Athletes

Anita Włodarczyk is a dominant force in women's hammer throwing, holding the world record with a throw of 82.98 m. She is a three-time Olympic champion and widely regarded as the greatest female hammer thrower in history. Her exceptional achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards such as Polish Sports Personality of the Year and the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta. Włodarczyk's professional career is defined by unparalleled success and a legacy of excellence in athletics.

Stanisław Kowalski was a Polish supercentenarian masters athlete who made history by becoming the oldest competing athlete in the M105 age division. He excelled in sprinting, shot put, and discus throw events, showcasing his remarkable physical abilities and dedication to sports even at an advanced age. Kowalski's achievements not only demonstrated his passion for athletics but also inspired others to pursue their athletic goals regardless of age, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of senior sports.

Władysław Kozakiewicz is a retired Polish athlete renowned for his pole vaulting prowess. His career highlights include winning the gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and setting the pole vault world record three times. He displayed a memorable bras d'honneur gesture at the Olympics, symbolizing resistance against Soviet dominance. Kozakiewicz's professional achievements also encompass multiple continental medals, victories at the Summer Universiades, and ten Polish championship titles, solidifying his legacy as a pole vaulting legend.

Stanisława Walasiewicz, also known as Stefania Walasiewicz, and Stella Walsh, was a Polish-American track and field athlete who achieved success as a women's Olympic champion in the 100 meters. She was known for her exceptional speed and athleticism, dominating the sprint events during her career. With a strong work ethic and determination, Walasiewicz became a prominent figure in the world of track and field, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneering female athlete in the sport.

Magdalena Gorzkowska is a versatile athlete who transitioned from a successful career as a 400 metres sprinter to a renowned mountaineer. In track and field, she achieved a silver medal at the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships and holds an impressive personal best in the 400 metres. As a mountaineer, she has conquered challenging peaks such as Mont Blanc, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest (as the youngest Polish female), and Makalu (first Polish female without supplemental oxygen). Her achievements showcase her determination and skill in both sports.

Witold Woyda was a highly accomplished Polish fencer, known for his success in the foil discipline. He achieved great success in his career, winning four Olympic medals between 1964 and 1972, which included two gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Woyda was recognized as the Polish Sportspersonality of the Year in 1972. After immigrating to the United States in the late 1970s, he settled in Bronxville, New York, where he worked for an Italian packaging company.

Myer Prinstein was a successful track and field athlete who achieved worldwide recognition for his accomplishments in the long jump and triple jump. He held the world record for the long jump in 1900 and won four gold medals in three Olympic Games. Prinstein was a member of the Irish American Athletic Club in Queens, New York, and after graduating from law school, he pursued a career as a New York real estate lawyer and businessman. He remains the only Olympic track athlete to have won both the triple and long jump in the same Olympics.

Tomasz Majewski is a highly accomplished Polish shot putter with a distinguished career. He has achieved remarkable success by winning two Olympic gold medals in shot put, making him one of the few athletes to defend the Olympic title in this event. As the first European shot putter to achieve this feat since 1956, Majewski has solidified his place in history as a skilled and dedicated athlete who has made significant contributions to the sport of track and field.

Robert Korzeniowski is a renowned Polish former racewalker known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. Throughout his career, he secured multiple gold medals at both the Olympic Games and World Championships, establishing himself as one of the most successful racewalkers in history. His remarkable talent and dedication enabled him to dominate the racewalking scene, setting numerous records and inspiring aspiring athletes around the world. Korzeniowski's legacy as a decorated athlete continues to be celebrated in the realm of racewalking.