During the 3rd European Games, Wieslaw BLACH was awarded with the ‘Best of the Best’ trophy by both the President of the European Judo Union, Dr László TÓTH and EJU General Secretary, Dr Martin POIGER.
It was a touching ceremony for Blach, to receive this wonderful award in front of a home crowd as he acted as the Competition Manager for the European Games. Blach has a rich history in our sport and has worked in all areas, starting his career as a successful athlete.
Not only can he claim a European title, but two more medals in continental championships as well as a world bronze medal in Seoul in 1985. Blach was also an Olympian, finishing in 7th place in the 1992 Barcelona Games. The EJU Sport Commissioner can boast having taken up the position of head coach to both teams Poland and Belgium, stood for six years as the Polish Judo Federation president as well as 15 years as an official for the European Judo Union.
This award is well deserved recognition for Blach who dedicates his life to the sport and the judo community. Read more about his incredible life story in judo in the ‘Through the Keyhole’ series.
Author: Thea Cowen