On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the 29th edition of the Waldemar Malak Memorial was held at the MKS Atleta hall in Gdańsk. The tournament saw the participation of 14 athletes from countries including Armenia, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Poland. The best lifter of the competition was Ravez Davetadze from Georgia, who was awarded €3,000 for his victory. Among the Polish competitors, Patryk Sawulski placed seventh, while Daniel Goljasz finished 13th.
This annual event, honoring Poland’s 1992 Olympic bronze medalist, attracted notable athletes, but also the weightlifting community representatives such as Petr Krol, Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Milan Mihajlovic, General Secretary of the European Weightlifting Federation, and Waldemar Gospodarek, President of the Polish Weightlifting Federation. During the event, Dr. Mr. Mihajlovic awarded an EWF certificate of appreciation to the MKS Atleta Gdańsk club and its director, Lech Labudda, for their efforts to promote weightlifting through international tournaments. The hosts also presented special memorial plaques for distinguished guests.
A Legacy in Weightlifting: The Life of Waldemar Malak
Waldemar Malak was born on July 17, 1970, in Gdańsk, and from an early age, he was actively involved in various sports, excelling in team games like football, as well as athletics, table tennis, and speed skating. Encouraged by coach Piotr Owczarski, he joined the weightlifting club Stoczniowiec, where his natural talent and dedication made him stand out among his peers.
Malak’s rise in the sport was meteoric, twice winning the Polish junior championships and earning international recognition in 1990 when he won silver medals at both the World and European Junior Championships. His transition to the senior level was equally impressive. In his first appearance at the Men’s World Championships in 1991, he finished 4th and also claimed the title of Polish under-23 champion.
The Olympic year of 1992 was a standout for Malak. He became the Polish senior champion and won a bronze medal at the European Championships in Szekszárd, Hungary. This success earned him a place at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, where he delivered a stunning performance. In a thrilling contest, Malak lifted a total of 400 kg (185 kg in the snatch and 215 kg in the clean and jerk), earning him the bronze medal in the heavyweight category (100 kg). His memorable showmanship, including his signature growls and his habit of holding the barbell overhead for longer than necessary, won him admiration and applause.
Tragically, Malak’s life was cut short in a car accident near Wejherowo on November 13, 1992, just months after his Olympic success, at the young age of 22. To honor his legacy, the annual weightlifting tournament in Gdańsk continues to celebrate his contributions to the sport.
Career Highlights:
- Olympic Bronze Medal (1992, Barcelona) – cat. 100 kg: 400 kg (185+215)
- European Senior Championships Bronze Medal(1992) – cat 100 kg: 395 kg (182,5+212,5)
- World Junior Championships Silver Medal (1990): 362.5 kg (170+192.5)
- European Junior Championships Silver Medal (1990): 370 kg (170+200)
Waldemar Malak remains a celebrated figure in Polish weightlifting, with his legacy continuing through the annual tournament dedicated to his memory.
