Elżbieta Biesiekierska (english)
Z Historia Wisły
Elżbieta Biesiekierska
Elżbieta Biesiekierska (later Szczygieł), born on October 4, 1950, in Olsztyn, was a Polish basketball player known for her excellent physical attributes (188 cm tall), a national team player, and a multiple-time national champion honored with the title "Master of Sport."
Biesiekierska began her sports training at the age of 14 with the Łączność club in Olsztyn. Recognizing her talent, officials from Wisła Kraków convinced her to move to Kraków. In 1967, she joined the "Biała Gwiazda" (White Star), devoting the next 14 years of her life and her entire professional career to the club. During this time, she won 10 Polish Championships (the first at just 18 years old, in 1968) and secured 4 runner-up titles. Her greatest success in European competition was achieving second place in the European Cup for Club Champions in 1970.
An integral part of Biesiekierska's career was her involvement with the Polish national team, where she played 163 games. This impressive number highlights how outstanding of a player she was for Wisła Kraków. She participated in four European Championship tournaments, with the highest placement being 5th in 1978, and took part in the qualification rounds for the 1976 Olympic Games (though Poland did not qualify).
Biesiekierska studied economics at the University of Economics in Kraków, later working as an administrative employee at the Provincial Police Headquarters.
She was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit, the title of "Master of Sport," and the PZKosz Gold Badge. She is regarded as one of the best female basketball players in Polish history.
Elżbieta Biesiekierska passed away on January 31, 2013.
Club Affiliation
1964-67: KS Łączność Olsztyn 1967-81: Wisła Kraków
Sporting Achievements
Polish Championship titles (10): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981 Polish Runner-up titles (4): 1967, 1972, 1973, 1974 Second place in the European Cup: 1970 Participation in European Championships (4): 1972 (9th place) 1974 (9th place) 1976 (6th place) 1978 (5th place)
Elżbieta Szczygieł née Biesiekierska Passed Away February 1, 2013'
On January 31, 2013, Elżbieta Szczygieł, née Biesiekierska, a former basketball player for Wisła Kraków, passed away at the age of 62. She played for Wisła from 1967 to 1981.
During her sports career, Elżbieta Biesiekierska achieved an impressive feat by winning the Polish Championship 10 times with Wisła. Her greatest international success came in 1970 when Wisła, with her in the lineup, reached the final of the European Cup. She was a regular member of the Polish national team, representing the country in 163 matches. She participated in four European Championship finals, with the highest finish being 5th place in 1978.
Blessed with excellent physical attributes (188 cm tall), she is regarded as one of the best players in the history of Polish women's basketball.
The funeral of Elżbieta Szczygieł, née Biesiekierska, will take place on February 6 at 11:40 a.m. at the Batowice Cemetery in Kraków.
