Ireneusz Paliński

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameIreneusz•Paliński
Used nameIreneusz•Paliński
Born13 May 1932 in Nużewo, Mazowieckie (POL)
Died9 July 2006 in Warszawa (Warsaw), Mazowieckie (POL)
Measurements181 cm / 83-90 kg
AffiliationsGwaria Jelenia Góra/LZS Mazowsze
NOC Poland
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

In the 1960 light-heavyweight class, Ireneusz Paliński became the first Polish weightlifter to win an Olympic gold medal. Polish success was complete, as Jan Bochenek also won the bronze in the same event. A year later, Paliński confirmed his champion status by also winning the middle-heavyweight world title, breaking the clean & jerk and combined world records. He collected a host of other medals at World Championships, finishing second overall four times (1959, 1962-63, 1966) and third twice (1958, 1964) - with the 1964 event being held in conjunction with the Olympics. The World Championships also doubled as European Championships, and Paliński won the same amount of medals in those championships. A specialist in the clean & jerk, he broke six world records in that discipline (two in the light-heavyweight, four in the middle-heavyweight). A nine-time Polish champion, Paliński was elected as Polish Sportsperson of the year in 1961.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1960 Summer Olympics Weightlifting POL Ireneusz Paliński
Light-Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
1964 Summer Olympics Weightlifting POL Ireneusz Paliński
Middle-Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze