On the Warsaw Academy of Physical Education (AWF) University Day, ten great athletes, the “GOLDEN TEN,” former students and graduates of AWF University, are presented with a mural as a result of a vote of the entire academic community.
A magnificent mural has been unveiled on one of the walls of the newly renovated AWF Student House, situated nearest to Marymoncka Street. This artistic creation, which is almost visible from the office of the Polish Weightlifting Federation (PZPC), pays homage to some of the most iconic figures in Polish sports, all of whom have been associated with AWF Warsaw during their illustrious careers.
Among these celebrated individuals are Otylia Jędrzejczak, Paweł Nastula, Janusz Kusociński, Jerzy Kulej, Zbigniew Boniek, Grzegorz Lato, Hubert Wagner, Jacek Wszoła, Czesław Lang, and Waldemar Baszanowski.
Their legacies are a source of enormous pride and inspiration not only for the AWF community, but for the entire Polish nation, and particularly for the weightlifting community.
Waldemar Baszanowski (15 August 1935 – 29 April 2011) was the most decorated international lightweight weightlifter of his time. Baszanowski established 24 world records and 61 national records. He won gold medals at the Olympics in 1964 and 1968, as well as five world championships and five silver medals. He became the Polish Sportsperson of the Year in 1969.
Baszanowski was elected to the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame in 1993, and he was President of the European Weightlifting Federation from 1999 until 2008.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the artists responsible for this mural. Their work not only beautifully commemorates these legendary sports figures but also serves as a wonderful means of popularizing and preserving the rich history of Polish and global sports achievements.