Janusz Kusocinski

Janusz Kusociński was a Polish athlete who won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters event at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He also set world records in the 3000 meters and 4 miles events. He was a versatile runner who competed in various distances from 800 meters to cross country. He was also a journalist, coach, and physical education teacher. He was a patriot who fought in the defense of Warsaw during the German invasion of Poland in 1939. He joined the Polish resistance movement and was arrested by the Gestapo in 1940. He was executed in the Palmiry massacre along with other Polish intellectuals and activists. He is regarded as one of the greatest Polish athletes and heroes of all time.