Henryk Lesiuk — Polish long-distance runner

Part IV: International track and field meet (Poland-Canada-United Kingdom) in Warsaw, Poland, June 30, 1974

The next autograph belongs to Henryk Lesiuk. According to my note at the time, he was simply described as a “runner” who “on June 30, 1974, took first place in the steeplechase.” Under his signature, he himself added: “3000 (steeplechase) — 8:29.0,” indicating his result that day.

Henryk Lesiuk

Only many years later, thanks to easy access to information—especially through sources such as Wikipedia—was I able to learn much more about him. Henryk Lesiuk (born 1948) was a Polish track and field athlete, a long-distance runner specializing in the 3000-meter steeplechase, one of the most demanding running events, combining endurance with the technical skill required to clear barriers and the water jump.

He represented clubs such as Wisła Puławy and Legia Warsaw. It is worth noting that in the PRL era, sports clubs were often affiliated with specific state institutions—such as the military or large industrial enterprises—which formed an important part of the sports system at the time. Lesiuk was a three-time medalist at the Polish national championships in this event: he won gold in 1975, silver in 1971, and bronze in 1974.

His personal best in the 3000-meter steeplechase was 8:26.6, achieved on June 29, 1975—just one year after our meeting at the Skra stadium. This means that the time recorded on my autograph was only slightly slower than his lifetime best, which gives this small memento an added significance.

Today, I see this signature not merely as an autograph, but as a small fragment of history—both of Polish athletics and of my own childhood, lived in a very different world.

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