Waldemar Baszanowski passed away
The International Weightlifting Federation has been informed with deep sorrow about the death of Waldemar Baszanowski this morning. He was one of the greatest weightlifting personalities ever and fantastic weightlifter. His results speak for themselves. Double Olympic Champion, several times World and European Champion, Waldemar Baszanowski lived an exemplary existence and by losing him, we will miss a great and prominent character. "I am proud of our long lasting cooperation in the development of weightlifting sport and of our decades of fruitful and meaningful friendship. " - said Dr. Tamás Aján, IWF President. After his successful sport career, he worked as coach in Poland and in different countries of the world. He developed the level of Indonesian Weightlifting to the forefront of the international stage. He was an esteemed and celebrated figure by his athletes and colleagues alike, who glorified his invaluable work and talent. Former professor at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw for many years, he also accomplished with efficiency and professionalism his work as President of the European Weightlifting Federation for 9 years. As Executive Board Member of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and figurehead of international sports diplomacy he achieved great merits. His human qualities have made him an example to follow for the young generation. It is with great regret that we acknowledged a few years ago his retirement and thereafter a tragic accident forcing this energetic and youthful person into inactivity. After his retirement, Waldemar Basanowski maintained a very close working and friendly relationship with the Polish Weightlifting Federation as well as with the International Weightlifting Federation. We will miss him as a competitor, coach, teacher, sports leader committed to weightlifting. His departure leaves a big vacuum in the Weightlifting Family, and we will never forget
