Kazimierz Zimny

Kazimierz Zimny was a Polish distance runner. After graduating, Zimny worked in a factory in Tczew and a local agricultural service plant. Zimny began his sporting career as a rower before he was encouraged to take up running with his local athletics club. In 1954, Zimny became the Polish junior champion in the 1,500 metres, setting a record in the process. The following year, he moved up to cross-country running and became a member of the Polish national team for long-distance running. Zimny competed in the 5,000 metres at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, but did not finish in his heat after breaking his leg. However, four years later at the 1960 Roma Olympics, Zimny competed again in the same event, going on to win the bronze medal.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Zimny was the Polish champion in multiple long-distance disciplines, and set several national records. At the European Championships, he won two silver medals in the 5,000 metres, the first in 1958 and the second in 1962. Zimny retired from running in 1967. After retirement, Zimny became a coach, including a spell with the Polish Athletics Association in the 1970s. From 1972 to 1991, Zimny worked as a physical education teacher.

Zimny also served as a member of the Polish Olympic Committee and he co-founded the Society of Polish Olympians. For his work in distance running, Zimny was awarded with the Knight’s and Officer’s Cross, an Honorary Diploma from the Polish Olympic Committee, and was made an Honorary Citizen of the City of Tczew in 2015.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 13:44.4 (1959); 10000 – 28:46.0 (1965).