Poland’s most accomplished weightlifter, Agata Wróbel, a two-time Olympic medalist, is set to receive professional medical care after sharing a heartbreaking appeal on Facebook revealing she has lost her sight. The announcement was made by Marek Kaczmarczyk, spokesperson for the Polish Weightlifting Federation.
“The Ministry of Sport and Tourism, along with the Polish Weightlifting Federation, has ensured that Ms. Agata Wróbel, the most outstanding Polish weightlifter in history and one of the best in the world during the 20th century, will soon be under expert medical care,” Kaczmarczyk stated in a press release sent to the media.
Swift Action for a Health Crisis
The Ministry and the Federation acted promptly to address Wróbel’s dire health situation. According to Kaczmarczyk, “In just a few hours, Ms. Agata Wróbel will become a patient at one of Krakow’s top hospitals, a facility renowned for its exceptional clinical departments and specialists.”
He also noted that improving the 43-year-old athlete’s financial and living conditions will be the next priority.
Community Support and Government Response
Kaczmarczyk extended gratitude to Barbara Czarnik-Kopaczka, head of the Municipal Social Welfare Department in Porąbka, for her compassionate assistance to Wróbel in her challenging daily life in the village of Czaniec.
The government has since stepped in to help. Sławomir Nitras, Minister of Sport and Tourism, announced on Twitter that Prime Minister Donald Tusk granted Wróbel a lifetime special pension of 5,000 PLN per month. “Employees of the University Hospital in Krakow will take care of Ms. Agata’s health. Thank you to everyone who supported this cause,” Nitras added.
A Remarkable Career Overshadowed by Health Struggles
Agata Wróbel’s illustrious career saw her win two Olympic medals in the +75 kg weight category—silver in Sydney in 2000 and bronze in Athens in 2004. She was also a world champion and a three-time European champion. However, her journey was marred by health issues, including contracting hepatitis C at age 25.
Following her retirement in 2010, Wróbel worked in the UK but faced ongoing health and financial difficulties. In 2019, she sought financial assistance to combat diabetes, depression following her mother’s passing, and other challenges.
Struggles Intensify
In December, Wróbel took to social media to announce the sale of mugs bearing her likeness, an effort to raise funds for her living expenses, animal care, and escalating health issues, including her recent loss of sight.
Her plight has drawn widespread attention, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, officials, and the broader community. With medical care and financial aid now assured, hope remains that Wróbel’s condition will improve, allowing her to navigate this challenging chapter of her life.