Jerzy Pilch, pioneer of Cieszyn judo, passes away

Jerzy Pilch, a prominent judo coach and a pioneer of the discipline in the Cieszyn Silesia region, has died at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by the KS Cieszyn sports club.

Pilch began developing judo in Cieszyn in the early 1970s and was long associated with the clubs KS „Piast” Cieszyn and KS MOSiR Cieszyn. Throughout his career, he trained numerous generations of athletes, many of whom earned dozens of Polish championship medals.

In recognition of his extensive expertise and contributions to the sport, the Polish Judo Association awarded him the 6th Dan (Rokudan) master rank. His career was marked by numerous honors, including medals from the Polish Olympic Committee and the Polish Judo Association.