Irena Szewińska

Irena Kirszenstein-Szewińska (1946–2018) was born in Leningrad to Polish-Jewish parents and grew up in Poland. One of the most versatile athletes in Olympic history, she competed internationally in the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, long jump and sprint relay. Across four Olympic Games from 1964 to 1976 she won seven athletics medals for Poland: three gold, two silver and two bronze. Her Olympic titles came in the 4×100 m relay at Tokyo 1964, the 200 m at Mexico City 1968 and the 400 m at Montreal 1976, with the latter two victories achieved in world-record performances. She also set multiple world records during her career and later served in senior Polish and international sports administration, including as a member of the International Olympic Committee.