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In memory of Polish sports stars: a tribute to those we lost in 2024

31.10.2024 15:50
We take a moment to remember the most famous Polish athletes who passed away this year.
Among the distinguished athletes we bid farewell to in 2024 were Waldemar Marszałek, Franciszek Smuda, Orest Lenczyk, and Janusz Gortat.
Among the distinguished athletes we bid farewell to in 2024 were Waldemar Marszałek, Franciszek Smuda, Orest Lenczyk, and Janusz Gortat.East News/PAP

Józef Szmidt (1935-2024) - a notable triple jumper and multiple-time representative for Poland. He was a two-time Olympic champion, a two-time European champion, and a world record holder.

Józef Szmidt Józef Szmidt

Waldemar Marszałek (1942-2024) – a renowned Polish powerboat racer, Marszałek was a six-time world champion in his sport.

Na Jeziorze Żarnowieckim, w dniach 12-13.06.1993 roku, odbyły się eliminacje Motorowodnych Mistrzostw Polski w klasach otwartych (wyścigowych). Nz. Waldemar Marszałek zwycięzca eliminacji w klasie O-250 przy swojej łódź z numerem startowym 11 Waldemar Marszałek in 1993.

Janusz Gortat (1948-2023) – a Polish boxer, Gortat was a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and the father of NBA player Marcin Gortat.

Janusz Gortat zmarł w wieku 75 lat Janusz Gortat died at the age of 75.

Franciszek Smuda (1948-2024) – a Polish football (soccer) coach and former player, Smuda led the Polish national team and managed several top league clubs.

Franciszek Smuda zmarł po długiej chorobie Franciszek Smuda died after a long illness.

Orest Lenczyk (1942-2024) – a Polish football player, coach, and football official, Lenczyk had a significant impact on the sport in Poland.

Orest Lenczyk miał 81 lat Orest Lenczyk was 81 years old.

Janusz Tracewski (1936-2024) – A Polish wrestling coach known for his contributions to the sport in Poland.


Source: IAR

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