Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak

Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak won 13 Polish titles in long-distance and cross-country events. Krzyszkowiak came to international attention at the 1956 Olympics, where he missed the bronze medal by 7.4 seconds, finishing fourth. At the 1958 European Championships, Krzyszkowiak established himself as one the best European long distance runners, winning both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres. Just two months before the Roma Olympics, Krzyszkowiak ran his first world record, clocking 8.31.4 in the steeplechase. At the Olympics itself, Krzyszkowiak finished seventh in the 10K, but as expected, won the steeplechase. After Roma, Krzyszkowiak concentrated on the 3,000 m steeplechase, setting his second world record in 1961, but was forced to retire from sports prematurely in 1963 due to injuries. After his running career, Krzyszkowiak worked as an athletics coach.

Personal Bests: 10000 – 28:52.75 (1960); 3000S – 8:30.4 (1961).