Stefan Szelestowski

As a multi-talented sportsman Stefan Szelestowski achieved national success in Poland in long-distance running and the modern pentathlon. In 1924 Szelestowski became the winner of the very first marathon race to be held in Poland and finished almost one hour ahead of his closest rival. He had more success during the year, winning the Polish championship in the marathon and the cross-country race. He was selected to compete at the 1924 Paris Olympics but did not have the same results that he had achieved in Poland. Szelestowski ran in both the 5,000 metres and the 3,000 metres team races in Paris but did not advance from the heats in either. He was also scheduled to compete in the 10,000 metres and the 10km racewalk but did not start either event. Despite his poor performance at the Olympics he continued to have success at the Polish championships, winning three silver medals in the 10,000 metres (1927–29), and another silver in the cross-country race (1927). Szelestowski also set national records in the 2,000 metres, 10,000 metres, 20,000 metres, 30,000 metres, and the marathon.

In the modern pentathlon Szelestowski won three back-to-back Polish titles from 1926 to 1928. His performances earned him another place on the Polish Olympic team, this time for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. While his overall performance was disappointing, finishing 26th out of the 37 competitors, Szelestowski finished first in the cross-country run. He later worked as a sports coach, teaching gymnastics and swimming.

Personal Bests: 3000 – 9:14.0 (1927); 5000 – 16:11.0 (1924).