World Athletics Museum Receives Historic Donations from Six Champions in Toruń
Toruń, Poland – A celebration of track and field history unfolded at the Toruń Plaza shopping centre on , as World Athletics President Sebastian Coe accepted donations of historic memorabilia from six world champions on behalf of the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA). The event, coinciding with the MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition Kujawy Pomorze 26, underscored the deep-rooted passion for athletics within Poland and served as a poignant tribute to the sport’s legacy.
The exhibition, which officially opened on , has already drawn over 55,000 visitors, becoming a focal point for fans ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26. Coe emphasized the significance of the ceremony, stating, “From donations of historic competition items generously given to the Museum of World Athletics by six world champions, to the honouring of Poland’s first ever men’s Olympic champion across all sports, this afternoon’s MOWA ceremony celebrated our sport’s rich history.”
A Legacy of Gifts
The ceremony saw a remarkable collection of items handed over to Coe, each representing a defining moment in the careers of the donating athletes. Poland’s Sebastian Chmara, the 1999 world indoor heptathlon champion, contributed his bodysuit and diploma from that historic victory – the nation’s first at the World Indoor Championships. “That victory (in 1999) was an important part of my life,” Chmara said. “Staying in athletics after retirement is the best channel for an athlete because you’ve met so many people and made so many friends, it’s important to grant back to the sport.”
Nelli Cooman, the Dutch two-time world indoor 60m gold medallist, donated her golden spike shoes, worn when she set the world indoor 60m record of 7.00 seconds in 1986, along with her winning uniform and bib from the 1985 European Indoor Championships. Reflecting on her indoor success, Cooman noted, “I was always more competitive indoors because you can prepare for much longer time during fall and winter before the World Indoor Championships, compared to only two months remaining before the outdoor season.”
Kenya’s Daniel Komen, the 1997 world 5000m champion and former world record holder, presented the spikes he wore when setting the world indoor 5000m record in 1998. Komen spoke to the enduring bonds forged through competition, saying, “Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but what remains his friendship – that’s what sport is about; bringing people together.” He fondly recalled his rivalry with Haile Gebrselassie, noting their current friendship.
Representing the host nation, Adam Kszczot donated the singlet he wore during his 2018 world indoor 800m victory. “MOWA lives and breathes history of our sport, and will be there for future generations of athletes and fans,” Kszczot stated. He explained his decision to donate the shirt, having already gifted his spikes and other items from the championships to schools and athletics clubs to inspire young athletes.
Algeria’s Noureddine Morceli, the 1996 Olympic and three-time world 1500m champion, contributed his singlet, bib, shorts, and spikes from the 1991 Tokyo World Championships. Morceli spoke of the camaraderie among world mile record holders, a club he proudly joined after years of pursuit.
Rounding out the donations, Poland’s Paweł Wojciechowski, the 2011 world pole vault gold medallist, presented a personalized pole vault pole sleeve used between 2018 and 2021. Wojciechowski humorously recalled looking up to Sergey Bubka in his youth and joked about the fortunate timing of his 2011 world title, coinciding with a young Mondo Duplantis being only 13 years ancient.
Honouring a Polish Hero
The ceremony also included a moving tribute to Janusz Kusociński, Poland’s first male Olympic gold medallist, who won the 10,000m at the 1932 Los Angeles Games. Posthumously awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in the ‘Legend’ category, Kusociński’s life was tragically cut short during World War II for his involvement in the Polish resistance. Sebastian Chmara, in his role as President of the Polish Athletics Association, accepted the plaque from Coe, ensuring Kusociński’s bravery and athletic achievements would be remembered.
The event also highlighted the region’s commitment to the championships with the donation of the official mascot, Goosia. Valerie Adams, four-time world indoor shot put champion and Athlete Ambassador, assisted in presenting the mascot costume alongside six young athletes from the local MKL Toruń club. Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region, and Krzysztof Wolsztyński, President of the LOC, officially presented the costume, a championships medal, and a relay baton to MOWA, receiving commemorative World Athletics Heritage Trophies from Coe in recognition of their support.
The MOWA exhibition in Toruń has successfully bridged the gap between athletics’ storied past and its vibrant present, ensuring the legacies of these champions and the spirit of Polish athletics will continue to inspire future generations. As Coe noted, the exhibition has “emphatically confirmed the deep culture and love of track and field athletics which thrives in Poland.”