Barbara Grocholska

Barbara Grocholska grew up in Nazi-controlled Poland during World War II and took part in the Polish resistance, including the Warsaw Uprising. After liberation, she took up alpine skiing and had her first senior national podium finish, second, in the downhill in 1950. The following year she won the first two of the 25 national titles that she would capture through 1965. She represented Poland in five events across two editions of the Olympics – 1952 and 1956 – with a best finish of 13th in the downhill at the former edition. Following her retirement from active competition, she became involved in youth coaching.