Irena Szewińska
- Born:
- 24 May 1946, Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia)
- Died:
- 29 June 2018, Warsaw, Poland
- Nationality:
- Polish
- Profession(s):
- Sprinter, Track and Field Athlete
Early Life and Education
- Szewińska displayed athletic talent from a young age, initially focusing on various sports before specializing in sprinting.
- She earned a degree in economics from the University of Warsaw.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her Olympic career at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 200m and participating in the 4x100m relay.
- Won a gold medal in the 200m at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
- At the 1972 Munich Olympics, she secured a bronze medal in the 200m.
- In 1974, she established the irena szewinska 400 meter world record at the European Championships in Rome, with a time of 49.9 seconds.
- Achieved gold in the 400m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, becoming the first woman to win Olympic medals in five different events.
- Held multiple world records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events during her career.
- Won numerous European Championship medals throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Notable Works
- Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1998 to 2001.
- Served as President of the Polish Athletic Association.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Order of Polonia Restituta | Various | Highest Polish civilian award |
Legacy and Impact
Irena Szewińska is considered one of the greatest athletes in Polish history and a significant figure in the development of women's track and field. Her achievements and dedication inspired generations of athletes and cemented her place as a sporting icon.