Janusz Kusociński

Although he began as a footballer, Janusz Kusociński took up athletics in 1928 and joined the Sarmata Club. In 1929 he won Polish titles in the 5,000 and cross-country, and after a year of military service, won the 1,500, 5,000, and cross-country in 1930 and 1931, adding another Polish title in the 800 in 1932. He set two world records early in 1932, in the 3,000 metres and the 4-miles, and capped his year by winning the Olympic 10K gold medal. In 1934 Kusociński placed second in the 5,000 at the first European Championships, and then retired. However, he made a brief comeback, winning the 10,000 at the 1939 Polish Championships.

During World War II, Kusociński volunteered for the Polish Army and was wounded twice. Released because of his injuries he served in the Polish resistance during German occupation, and he was arrested by the Gestapo on 26 March 1940 and was imprisoned in the Mokotów prison. He was executed by the Germans three months later, in Palmiry, near Warsaw. In his honor, the best known Polish athletics meet is called the Kusociński Memorial, which had now been held for almost 60 years.

Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:54.0 (1932); 5000 – 14:24.2 (1939); 10000 – 30:11.42 (1932).