Józef Noji

Józef Noji was a top Polish distance runner in the 1930s, winning the national 5,000 metre championship five straight years (1935-39), the cross-country championship four straight years (1936-39), and the 10K title in 1936. After his Olympic appearance in 1936, he placed fifth in the 5,000 at the 1938 Europeans. He set one Polish record in the 5,000 and in 1936 won the British AAA title at 6 miles.

Noji could have been registered for the “Volksliste” in the 1930s as he had German roots, but he strictly refused, and joined the Polish resistance when World War II broke out. He was arrested on 18 September 1940 and was initially kept at Pawiak. After a year, he was transported to Auschwitz, where in February 1943, in death block 11, he was shot in the neck for allegedly smuggling a letter. He was posthumously awarded the Cross of Valor. Currently there is a street Nojego in Auschwitz, named for him, as well as a municipal stadium named Nojiego Cross on the route from Pęckowo to Wielenia.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 14:33.4 (1936); 10000 – 31:17.4 (1938).