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Leszek Robert BlanikPolish gymnast, member of the Polish Sejm
Date of Birth: 01.03.1977
Country:  Poland |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Olympic and International Success
- The "Blänik" Vault
- Retirement and Political Career
- Honors and Personal Life
- Achievements
Early Life and Career
Leszek Błażyński was born on March 1, 1977, in Woźniki Śląskie, Poland. He began his gymnastics career at the "Radlin" club, before moving to the AVF team in Gdańsk in 1997.
Olympic and International Success
Błażyński's breakout came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in vaulting. He went on to achieve further accolades, including silver medals at the 2002 and 2005 World Championships, and a gold medal at the 2007 World Championships. In 2008, he became European Champion and the Olympic Champion in Beijing.
The "Blänik" Vault
During the Beijing Olympics, Błażyński performed a unique vault that consisted of a double front somersault in piked position. This move was named the "Blänik" in his honor, and was recognized as number 332 in the International Gymnastics Federation's Code of Points.
Retirement and Political Career
Błażyński retired from competitive gymnastics in 2010. In 2011, he was elected to the Polish Sejm (parliament) as an independent, later joining the Civic Platform party.
Honors and Personal Life
The "Radlin" club's sports hall was named after Błażyński. He is fluent in Polish, English, and Russian. Błażyński is married to Marita.
Achievements
Olympic Gold Medal (2008)Olympic Bronze Medal (2000)
World Champion (2007)
European Champion (2008)
