The world of ski jumping mourns the loss of Robert Witke, a Polish ski jumper who passed away at the age of 57. Robert, son of the renowned skier Ryszard Witke, had the opportunity to compete in both the World Cup and the World Ski Flying Championships during his career. His passing marks the end of a legacy that has been intertwined with the world of winter sports for decades.
A Family Tradition in Skiing
Robert Witke was born into a family deeply rooted in skiing. His father, Ryszard Witke, was a celebrated figure in classical skiing, having participated in two Winter Olympics during the 1960s. Ryszard also competed in the Four Hills Tournament and World Championships, setting a high standard for his son to follow. Robert began making his mark in the ski jumping world in the mid-1980s, achieving his best performance at the 1985 World Junior Championships.
Robert’s career highlights include a bronze medal at the 1990 Polish Championships, and his participation in the World Ski Flying Championships at Kulm, Austria. Though his international success was limited, he was a respected figure within the Polish ski community. Robert retired in 1991, but his impact on the sport remains cherished by fans and fellow athletes alike.