On June 9, 1932, Janusz Kusociński, a Polish athlete, broke the world record in the 3000-meter race. Next month, he won the Olympic gold medal. Since 1954, An annual athletics competition, the Kusociński Memorial, is held in Poland in his honour. This year, the 68th edition of the Memorial will take place at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów.
? 5 czerwca na @StadionSlaski odbędzie się 68. @PKN_ORLEN Memoriał Janusza Kusocińskiego! ??♂️
❗️ Wejście na trybuny będzie bezpłatne. Serdecznie zapraszamy! ??@PZLANews pic.twitter.com/wlrmoo3vvY
— Ministerstwo Sportu i Turystyki (@SPORT_GOV_PL) May 10, 2022
He was arrested by the Gestapo on 26 March 1940 during the AB Action and imprisoned in Mokotów Prison. He was executed three months later in Palmiry, near Warsaw. On 12 August 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta, “for outstanding contribution to the independence of the Polish Republic, for sporting achievements in the field of athletics”.
Janusz Kusociński – the Olympic champion is a true inspiration for many Polish sportsmen. At the worst time of Polish history, he did not hesitate to protect his beliefs and fight for his beloved homeland. The Memorial’s goal is to preserve the memory of his outstanding sports career and patriotic attitude.
Although he was executed on June 21, the date of the Memorial differs. The audience in the stands of the Silesian Stadium will be able to watch the struggles of the best athletes on June 9. For now, the place of the event is known and more information regarding the competition will be given soon. Admission is free, subject to the availability of seats.