Józef Lipień, Polish Olympic silver medallist in wrestling, dies at 77

In brief

• Józef Lipień, a Polish wrestler and 1980 Moscow Olympic silver medallist, has died at 77.
• He also won the 1973 world title and competed at four Olympic Games.
• The city of Dębica and the Polish Wrestling Federation confirmed his death.

Death confirmed by hometown and national federation

The city of Dębica announced that Józef Lipień had died, expressing condolences to his wife Bogusława and the rest of his family (Polski sport w żałobie. Nie żyje Józef Lipień – Sport.pl). The Polish Wrestling Federation confirmed the news, describing him as an outstanding athlete, Olympian, world champion and coach (Nie żyje Józef Lipień, polski wicemistrz olimpijski – Przegląd Sportowy).

Career highlights

Lipień was born on 6 February 1949 in Jaczków, near Kamienna Góra. He began in athletics and handball before turning to wrestling (Świat sportu w żałobie. Nie żyje Józef Lipień – RMF24). He competed at four Olympic Games, in 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980 (Nie żyje legendarny polski zapaśnik. Józef Lipień miał 77 lat – Interia Sport). At the Moscow Games he won silver. He also won the world title in 1973 in Tehran, and later earned a world silver medal and a European bronze medal.

Ties to Dębica

Most of his life was tied to Dębica, where he represented the local Wisłoka club for many years. After ending his competitive career, he became a coach at a local club. He had a twin brother, Kazimierz.

Looking back

In an interview with Interia about two years ago, Lipień spoke about his regrets over weight management before major competitions, saying he had reduced his weight by twelve kilograms and had skipped the European Championships to prepare for the Olympics.