Czesław Foryś

After his career as a middle-distance runner Czesław Foryś made significant contributions in the development of athletics in Poland including serving as the President of the Polish Athletic Association (PZLA). Foryś was an eight-time Polish record holder in races ranging from 1,000 metres to 2,000 metres and was a three-time national champion in the 1,500 metres from 1925 to 1927. He ran in the same event at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics but was eliminated in the opening heats.

When Foryś was 24-years-old he got involved in social activities in the Polish sports movement including becoming a member of the PZLA. In the post-war period in Poland he was committed in helping to rebuild Polish sport, becoming the Vice-President of the PZLA from 1945 to 1949, and eventually serving as their President from 1949 to 1965. Foryś managed the Polish athletics team from the 1948 London Olympics through to the 1964 Games in Tokyo.

From 1962 Foryś was a member of the European Committee of the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) where he initiated and organised the European youth and junior games. For his work and dedication to Polish athletics he was awarded with the honorary title of IAAF Veteran and was later elected as the honorary President of the PZLA.

Personal Best: 1500 – 4:06.0 (1927).