Zdzislaw MOTYKA

Zdzisław Motyka was one of the best Polish skiers between the wars. He was twice Polish 18 km Champion (1930-31) and in the relay (1927-28) as well as three times in the 50 km (1929-1931). He also took part in the 1930 World Championships. During the summer seasons he competed in long distance track and cross-country running, up to the marathon distance, as a preparation for the winter season. In running he achieved a number of podium places at Polish Championships. During his stay in the United States for the 1932 Winter Olympics, he allegedly broke the world record for climbing the stairs of the Empire State Building up to the 102nd floor. After his active career he worked as a coach, and ran a sporting goods store in Zakopane. After World War II, he served as a judge and sports official.