Anna Janeczko (English)

Z Historia Wisły

Anna Janeczko is a masters swimmer. She is also a co-founder and one of the creators of the first masters swimming section in Krakow, established in 2006, affiliated with TS Wisła. She manages the section's website - tswisla.pl/plywanie.

Her journey in sport began at a very young age in the gymnastics section of TS Wisła Kraków. Later, she tried judo at the Community Center on Krowoderska Street in Krakow, followed by 13 years of ballroom dancing, including training at the AS Dance School in Krakow. After concluding her dance career at the age of 30, she developed an interest in swimming.

"I was inspired by the successes of the famous Polish swimmer Otylia Jędrzejczak, who was a star at that time. I came to the pool and asked a lifeguard to teach me the butterfly stroke. I remember his surprise. He only replied that he would try, but couldn't guarantee success." She quickly caught the swimming bug, and swimming became her hobby. She started refining her technique, attended numerous lessons and training sessions. "At some point, I found out about masters swimming, where athletes above the age of 25 compete. I decided to test my skills in this type of competition." She won her first medal in 2005 in a race that took place at Lake Miejskie in Chodzież over a distance of 1500m. That same year, she participated in the Polish Masters Swimming Championships in a 25-meter pool, securing second place in the 400m freestyle in the 30-34 age category. Since then, she has accumulated several Polish champion titles in backstroke and multiple runner-up titles in freestyle, competing first in the 30-34 age category and then in the 35-39 age category.

In 2007, she became the Polish record holder in the 1500m freestyle in a 25-meter pool in the 35-39 age category, and in 2008, she achieved the same in a 50-meter pool. She also competes in the individual medley (100m) and holds the title of Polish Vice-Champion in 2009 in the 35-39 age category. More of A. Janeczko's results can be found on the website belanna.strefa.pl.

Privately, Anna Janeczko is a scientist and works at the Polish Academy of Sciences (belanna.strefa.pl). "I see swimming as an excellent break from my professional work. Although I started swimming late, I am still improving my results, enjoying every second I gain. I value in this sport that, unlike partner dancing, the effects depend solely on me, on the intensity of my training and my predisposition on any given day, and the results are measurable."