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Poland, Gorzno, 1980

One of the last photos of world athletics legend Stanisława Walasiewicz, which Libera took in Górzno. Stanislawa Walasiewicz was born on April 3, 1911 in Wierzchownia and as a three-month-old infant left with her parents for the USA. Walasiewicz had been involved in sports since childhood. She was characterized by strength, speed and nerves of steel. Stanisława Walasiewicz/Stella Walsh set more than 100 records, including 51 Polish records, 18 world records and 8 European records. In 1975, she was counted among the meritorious contributors to American athletics. Her name was included in the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame. In Poland, in 1930, 1932, 1933 and 1934 she was honored with the title of best athlete in the poll of the "Przeglad Sportowy". After her retirement, Walasiewicz/Walsh became a coach. She cooperated with the Polish „Sokół”.  Despite her resentment of the communists, she visited Poland. She took an active part in organizing the arrival of Polish athletes in Cleveland. Through one such arrival she lost her life. On December 4, 1980, Polish basketball players were scheduled to play a game against a local university team. Before the players took the court, Walasiewicz decided to buy red-and-white ribbons at one of the malls. As she was returning to her car, she was attacked in the parking lot by two men. One of the perpetrators reached for a gun and shot.