Witold Bańka
Polish sprinter
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Biography
Witold Bańka (born October 3, 1984) is a Polish former 400 metres sprinter turned politician. Since November 2015, he has been the Minister of Sport and Tourism in the cabinet of Beata Szydło.
Athletic career
Bańka's biggest achievement as an athlete was the bronze medal in the 4 × 400 metres relay at the 2007 World Championships although he only competed in the heats. He also won several relay medals at lower level competitions. He retired from professional sport in 2012 having failed to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Competition record
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Representing Poland | |||||
| 2005 | European U23 Championships | Erfurt, Germany | 1st | 4x400 m relay | 3:04.41 |
| 2007 | Universiade | Bangkok, Thailand | 1st | 4x400 m relay | 3:02.05 |
| World Championships | Osaka, Japan | 7th (h) | 4x400 m relay | 3:02.391 | |
| 2009 | Universiade | Belgrade, Serbia | 2nd | 4x400 m relay | 3:05.69 |
1He was not selected for the final where the Polish team finished third but also received a bronze medal.
Personal bests
Outdoor
- 200 metres – 21.83 (+1.5 m/s, Bielsko-Biała 2006)
- 400 metres – 46.11 (Osaka 2007)
Indoor
- 400 metres – 48.87 (Spała 2009)
- "Niespełniony biegacz ministrem sportu. Kim jest Witold Bańka?" (in Polish). eurosport.onet.pl. 2015-11-09. Retrieved 2016-01-18.