Józef Lipień, Olympic wrestling silver medalist, dies at 77

Legendary Polish wrestler Józef Lipień has passed away at the age of 77. He died on Sunday, October 25.

Lipień was a prominent figure in international wrestling, most notably winning the silver medal in the 57 kg classical style at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. He was also a world champion, having secured gold at the 1973 World Championships in Tehran, and earned multiple silver and bronze medals in subsequent international competitions.

A four-time Olympian, Lipień represented Poland in the 1968, 1972, 1976, and 1980 Olympic Games. He shared significant sporting success with his twin brother, Kazimierz Lipień, a 1976 Olympic gold medalist; the two brothers both won world titles in Tehran in 1973.

Throughout his career and following his retirement from competitive wrestling, Lipień was closely associated with the Wisłoka Dębica club. He later dedicated himself to the sport as a coach, passing his experience on to new generations of wrestlers. His death has been confirmed by the Polish Wrestling Association and local authorities in Dębica.