Olimpijczycy w służbie niepodległości

The aim of this study is to present the fate of Polish Olympians representing their coun try during the Olympic Games as well as their huge contribution and ezorts for the res-- toration of Polish independence. First of all, the article discusses the direct participation of the future squad members in a struggle for boundaries of a second Polish republic in years 1914–1921 as well as their contribution in a movement against German invaders in years 1939–1945. The goal of this paper is also to present the fates of some pre-war sport ambassadors aer Poland’s regaining independence with the help of Soviets. Described here is the Soviet attitude towards the athletes involved in Polish Underground Movement who were recognized by the communistic government as potentially dangerous. The fate of this small group of Olympians is similar to the fate of millions of Poles during the wartime. It was a common feature for almost all of them to be a part of Polish-German War in 1939, the Warsaw Uprising; they were sent to concentration or war camps, and took part in liberating the country in the last phase of the war. During the war many of them shown bravery and sacrice for which they were awarded combat distinctions. The memory of Polish heroes and their contribution for the country is still rooted in the nation. ey gave happiness for the citizens on sport arenas but at the same time, when the freedom was threatened, they fullled their civil duty.