Wacław Gąssowski

Wacław Gąssowski was entered in the 1936 Olympic 4x100 relay, but never ran. He competed successively for AZS Poznań (1936-37), Legia Warszawa (1937-38), Orlęta Dęblin (1938-39), Racing Club Bruxelles (1945-47), and AZS Toruń (1948). In 1937-38 Gąssowski won six Polish titles, winning the 800 in 1937 and then won five titles in 1938, with the 400, 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay, Olympic relay, and Swedish relay. He also competed at the 1938 European Championships in the 800 metres but was eliminated in the heats. Gąssowski won gold at the 1939 University Championships in the 400 metres and added a silver at that meet in the Olympic relay.

Gąssowski became a coach, both in Poland and Belgium. He served in World War II in the 41st reconnaissance squadron as an aviation lieutenant and took part in the defense of Warszawa in the Air Assault Unit. After the uprising failed, he was imprisoned in the VII A Murnau oflag. After the war, Gąssowski served as vice-president of the Polski związek Lekkiej Atletyki (Polish Athletic Association) in 1951-52. He died in a car accident in Belgium.

Personal Best: 100 – 11.0 (1938).