Anna W — spirit of a true champion
A champion is more than someone with strong lungs and muscles. One must have strong character as well. I’ve just posted a humdinger of an interview with Anna Wlodarczyk, a W50 jumper and hurdler who has overcome the biggest barriers of all — anger and bitterness over being robbed of perhaps two Olympic medals.
At Moscow in 1980, when she competed for Poland, she was cheated of a bronze in the long jump in what Jeff Hollobaugh ranked the 38th best track competition of the 20th century. In 1984, when she was perhaps the favorite for gold, her country joined the Soviet boycott of the Los Angeles Olympics. Her last competition for Poland came in 1985.
Anna now coaches at Chapman University in Southern California. Her story — with her recollections — has never been told in detail online, and probably not offline either. Check out a masterstrack exclusive interview. And be amazed at this champion’s ability to persevere.
(Better photos of Anna will be posted in a few days.)
