On Wednesday, at Atlas Arena, a ceremony was held to unveil a commemorative plaque dedicated to Maria Jadwiga Kwaśniewska-Maleszewska—an outstanding track and field athlete, Olympian, and sports activist who has left an indelible mark on the history of Polish sports and the city of Łódź.
Maria Kwaśniewska-Maleszewska won a bronze medal in the javelin throw at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, becoming the first woman from Łódź—and one of the few Polish women of that era—to be honored with an Olympic medal. Throughout her career, she was affiliated with the Łódź Sports Club, for which she won numerous Polish championship titles. She set nine national records, achieving success not only in the javelin throw but also in other track and field disciplines and in team sports such as hazenball and basketball.
After retiring from competitive sports, she dedicated herself to promoting the development of sports—in Łódź, throughout Poland, and on the international stage. She served in the Polish Athletics Association, the Polish Olympic Committee, and the International Association of Athletics Federations. By promoting the values of sport and fair play, she became a symbol of courage, success, and patriotism.
–Maria Kwaśniewska-Maleszewska was not only a great athlete but also an ambassador for Łódź around the world. Her story is an example of how, through passion, hard work, and determination, one can achieve global success while remaining true to one’s ideals. Her life is also a unique Łódź story of being rooted in the local community and building the city’s identity through sports,” emphasized Adam Wieczorek, Vice Mayor of Łódź.
–Maria’s athletic legacy is an inspiration to every generation—proof that talent, dedication, and a strong character can break down barriers and leave a lasting mark not only on the history of sports but also in people’s hearts. Her Olympic successes and her commitment to the development of track and field are important foundations upon which we are building the future of Polish sports,” noted Tomasz Majewski, two-time Olympic champion and vice president of the Polish Athletics Association.
“Thanks to initiatives like this, we keep the memory of our sport’s great figures alive in the minds of residents, inspiring future generations of Łódź residents,” added Krzysztof Maciaszczyk, the initiator of the plaque unveiling and a member of the Presidium of the Łódź Sports Hall of Fame.
The mementos of Maria Kwaśniewska-Maleszewska are not only a testament to her achievements, but also tangible evidence of her unbreakable ties to the city.
The ceremony at Atlas Arena was attended by, among others:
- Adam Wieczorek – Deputy Mayor of Łódź,
- Tomasz Majewski—two-time Olympic champion in the shot put (Beijing 2008, London 2012), European Championship silver and bronze medalist, multiple Polish record holder, and vice president of the Polish Athletics Association.
- Krzysztof Maciaszczyk – member of the Presidium of the Łódź Sports Hall of Fame,
- Marek Kondraciuk – member of the Chapter’s Presidium,
- Piotr Szor – Chief Operating Officer of MAKiS,
- Lech Leszczyński – President of ŁOZLA and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Polish Athletic Association (PZLA),
- Jacek Bogusiak – Keeper of ŁKS Traditions,
