Leon Jucewicz

Polish sportsman Leon Jucewicz competed in track and field athletics and speed skating, before becoming a tennis instructor. Jucewicz joined AZS Warszawa in 1921 where he specialised in middle and long-distance running. The following year he won silver in the 1,500 metres at the Polish championships and finished second in the Zamek-Belweder street race. He had similar success on the ice, finishing as the runner-up in the 1,500 metres at the national championships. Consistent performances earned him a place on the Polish speed skating team for the 1924 Chamonix Olympics.

Jucewicz had an inauspicious start at the Olympics when his train arrived late, giving him only ten minutes to prepare for his first race, the 500 metres. Despite the hindrance he finished 17th in the race and 16th in the 5,000 metres later the same day. On the second day of the speed skating programme he came 15th in the 1,500 metres and 14th in the 10,000 metres, finishing eighth overall in the all-round competition. In 1924 Jucewicz was invited to compete at a speed skating competition in the United States and eventually travelled to Brazil, where he lived for the rest of his life. Now settled in São Paulo he became a social activist for the local Polish community and also founded a sports club and a local newspaper.

Jucewicz turned down an offer from the Polish Olympic Committee to compete at the 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Games and instead focused on his new passion of tennis. He trained youngsters and organised tournaments, coaching multiple players who went on to become Brazilian champions. In Rio Grande do Sul he also contributed to the local sporting infrastructure, building multiple tennis courts, football stadiums, and playgrounds. In 1960 Jucewicz became the chair of the Polish Olympic Fund in Porto Alegre. In November 1983 he was hit by a motorcyclist, and he died from his injuries in January 1984.

Personal Bests: 500 – 49.6 (1924); 1500 – 2:42.6 (1924); 5000 – 10:05.6 (1924); 10000 – 20:40.8 (1924).