In the south-eastern part of Munich, on the Olympic grounds, there is a winding walking avenue several kilometres long - the Kusocińskidamm, named after the legendary Polish athlete Janusz Kusociński (1907-1940) . The avenue, which connects residential buildings to the Olympic stadium, was created in 1972, shortly before the start of the Olympic Games. Its creation was intended to create a new recreational space in the city, promoting sport, healthy lifestyles and body improvement.

When deciding to name the avenue running through the wooded Olympic park after Kusociński, the city council wondered whether the pronunciation of the name would be too difficult for users of the area. However, these doubts were quickly dispelled. Why was it decided that the Polish athlete should be the patron of the street in which the press centre operates during the games?

The story of the outstanding runner Janusz Kusociński

Kusociński was one of the most famous athletes of the inter-war period. In 1932 he set the world record twice: in the 3,000 metres with a time of 8:18.8 and in the 4 miles with a time of 19:02.6. The same year he won the first Olympic gold medal for Poland over 10,000 metres in Los Angeles. Kusociński was a multiple national record holder at various distances and in the Olympic relay. His successes were of great importance both in sport and in propaganda. In subsequent years, Kusociński became a symbol of heroism. After winning the European Championships in Turin in 1934 in the 5,000-metre run, he suffered a painful knee injury, seemingly making it impossible to continue his sporting career. Despite surgery to remove a degenerated meniscus, he did not give up training. During his treatment and convalescence, Kusociński devoted himself to personal development: he passed his matriculation exams, completed his studies at the Central Institute of Physical Education (CIWF) and even began writing and editing sports articles for specialist magazines. In 1937, he returned to running and just two years later twice set a new Polish record for 5000 metres. The outbreak of the Second World War interrupted his promising sporting career. As a volunteer, Kusociński took part in the 1939 September campaign and belonged to the underground military organisation "Wilki". After being arrested in 1940, despite being tortured, he did not denounce his comrades. He died in a mass execution in Palmiry.

The Kusociński Avenue in Munich is a tribute to this outstanding athlete, whose life and achievements have become a symbol not only of sporting spirit, but also of steadfastness and courage.