Irena Szewinska was a model athlete. First and foremost, she should be seen as a highly successful woman. First a top class student (she holds a master's degree in economics) then a wife and mother. She is currently a member of the IOC, a European Athletics Association Council Member and a member of the IAAF Women's Committee. Szewinska has succeeded in everything she has tried.

From the age of 18 until she was 34, Szewinska had one of the longest (and most glorious) careers in international sport. Between 1964 and 1980 she participated in five Olympic Games, winning seven medals, three of them gold. She also broke six world records and was the first woman to hold world records at 100m, 200m and 400m at the same time. She was also the first woman to break the 50 second barrier in the latter event. Unassuming but firm, romantic but a realist, gentle but aggressive on the track, powerful yet slim, shy but determined, Szewinska always had her sights set on the highest peaks.

Born Irena Kirszenstein in 1946, she discovered athletics at the age of 14. From then on there was no holding her back, thanks to her superb physique (1.76m and 61 kilos) and her intelligence. She trained with total dedication, as if preparing her revenge on a cruel destiny. Patient, courageous and methodical, she became known as the "Queen of the Track", for her ability to rise to every challenge. She was also a pioneer who opened new horizons for women, particularly when she won the 400m at the Montreal Olympics with a ten metre advantage. "I have often been asked," Szewinska said, "whether I wasn't sometimes bored with athletics. I have always replied 'no'. Sport is my passion. Together with my family, it has brought me all the joys of the world."