Marian Kasprzyk

Although he never became a national champion, Polish boxer Marian Kasprzyk did win gold at the Olympics in 1964. After the end of the war Kasprzyk and his family relocated to Ziębice in the west of the country, where he began boxing at local clubs. He soon moved up to a first division club, recording some important wins in his early career and earning a place on the Polish national team. In 1960 Kasprzyk made his début at the Olympics, competing in the light-welterweight class at the Roma Games. He defeated Carmelo García (ESP) by knock out before beating both György Pál (HUN) and Vladimir Engibaryan (URS) on points to reach the semi-finals. Kasprzyk then forfeited the match against Ike Quartey (GHA) due to an injury to win bronze.

One year later Kasprzyk won another bronze, this time at the European Boxing Championships in Beograd in the -63.5 kg class. He then found himself in trouble out of the ring after getting into a fight, resulting in a short prison sentence. He was also punished with a lifetime ban from the sport. Thankfully for Kasprzyk his ban was lifted just prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, allowing him to compete at the Games. Now boxing as a welterweight, he went on to win gold, beating Ričardas Tamulis (URS) in the final.

Kasprzyk made his third and final appearance at the Olympics in Mexico City in 1968. After receiving a bye, the defending Olympic champion then lost to Armando Muniz (USA) to end his dream of winning another medal. He continued to box for a few more years after the Olympics, retiring in the late 1970s with a record of 270 fights, winning 232, drawing 10, and losing 28. Kasprzyk was honoured with several awards including the Knight’s Cross, in addition to being made an honorary citizen of Ziębice.