Published: August 8, 2025
On Friday, August 8, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn will once again become the center of top-tier athletics during the Fifth International Zbigniew Ludwichowski Memorial, bringing together leading Polish and international track and field athletes at the university’s modernized Kortowo Stadium.
At the pre-event press conference, Rector Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, shot put champion Konrad Bukowiecki, and regional leaders spoke about the significance of the event. Prof. Przyborowski emphasized the university’s commitment to academic sports, noting that athletic events are a way to promote healthy lifestyles and attract young people to study at UWM.
“This stadium was modernized so professional events like this could happen here. Honoring Zbigniew Ludwichowski, who trained many outstanding athletes and promoted admirable values, makes this event even more meaningful,” said the Rector.
The Rector also confirmed talks with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to introduce legislative changes that would better support student-athletes through dedicated scholarships, recognizing the challenge of balancing training with academic responsibilities.
Promoting the Region and Remembering a Legend
Marcin Kuchcinski, Marshal of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, underlined the event’s international prestige and its role in promoting the region globally:
“This is more than a sporting event—it is a celebration of Warmia and Mazury on the world stage,” he said.
Robert Szewczyk, Mayor of Olsztyn, praised the university for its role in the stadium’s transformation and confirmed the city’s ongoing support for future events.
The memorial is held in honor of the late Zbigniew Ludwichowski, a respected coach and mentor in Polish athletics, who inspired many talents including Wanda Panfil—the only Polish marathon world champion—as well as Karol Zalewski, Aleksandra Lisowska, and Anastazja Kuś.
“I wish Coach Ludwichowski could see what this event has become,” said Konrad Bukowiecki. “As long as I am able to compete, I will always return here.”
International Stars and World-Class Competition
The event is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze category), giving athletes the opportunity to qualify for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. It also serves as a crucial performance test before the Polish national championships in Bydgoszcz later this month.
International stars, including Paola Fernandez (Puerto Rico), praised the city’s greenery and balance between urban life and calm spaces, expressing interest in returning for tourism.
Track and field fans will see athletes like Maria Andrejczyk, Piotr Lisek, Karol Zalewski, Candice McLeod, Brendon Rodney, and many others competing in events including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, javelin, long jump, pole vault, and shot put.
According to Szymon Niestatek, President of the Warmian-Masurian Athletics Association, last year’s event saw multiple records broken, raising expectations for even more thrilling performances this year.
“We’ll remember Coach Ludwichowski together—and honor him with the energy and passion of competition,” he said.
The event begins at 5:00 PM on August 8 at Kortowo Athletic Stadium and will be broadcast live on TVP Sport.
Source: University of Warmia and Mazury
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