Toruń, Poland – A remarkable gathering of track and field legends took place at the Toruń Plaza shopping centre on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as six world champions donated historic items to the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA). The event, coinciding with the ongoing MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition Kujawy Pomorze 26, celebrated the rich history of the sport and honored Poland’s first Olympic champion, Janusz Kusociński. The exhibition, which opened on February 20th, has already attracted over 55,000 visitors, demonstrating the deep passion for athletics within Poland, according to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
The ceremony saw iconic athletes contribute personal mementos representing their greatest achievements, ensuring these pieces of sporting history are preserved for future generations. World Athletics President Coe emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “From donations of historic competition items generously given to the Museum of World Athletics by six world champions, to the honouring of Poland’s first ever men’s Olympic champion across all sports, this afternoon’s MOWA ceremony celebrated our sport’s rich history.” The donations underscore the enduring legacy of these athletes and the importance of preserving the heritage of athletics.
Among those contributing to the MOWA collection was Sebastian Chmara, who donated his bodysuit and diploma from his 1999 world indoor heptathlon victory – a historic moment as it marked Poland’s first-ever gold medal at the World Indoor Championships. “That victory (in 1999) was an important part of my life,” Chmara said. “Staying in athletics after retirement is the best channel for an athlete because you’ve met so many people and made so many friends, it’s important to supply back to the sport.”
Dutch athlete Nelli Cooman, a two-time world indoor 60m gold medallist, contributed her golden spike shoes, worn when she set the world indoor 60m record of 7.00 seconds in 1986, along with her winning uniform and bib from the 1985 European Indoor Championships. Cooman reflected on her indoor success, noting, “I was always more competitive indoors because you can prepare for much longer time during fall and winter before the World Indoor Championships, compared to only two months remaining before the outdoor season.”
Kenyan distance running legend Daniel Komen, the 1997 world 5000m champion and a multiple world record-breaker, presented the spikes he wore when setting the world indoor 5000m record in 1998. Komen highlighted the unifying power of sport, stating, “Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but what remains his friendship – that’s what sport is about; bringing people together.” He fondly recalled his rivalry with Haile Gebrselassie, noting their current friendship.
Representing Poland, Adam Kszczot donated the singlet he wore during his 2018 world indoor 800m win in Birmingham. Kszczot emphasized the importance of MOWA, stating, “MOWA lives and breathes history of our sport, and will be there for future generations of athletes and fans.” He explained his decision to donate the shirt, having already gifted his spikes and other items from the championships to schools and athletics clubs to inspire young athletes.
Algeria’s Noureddine Morceli, the 1996 Olympic and three-time world champion in the 1500m, contributed his singlet, bib, shorts, and spikes from the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo. Morceli spoke of the camaraderie among world mile record holders, expressing his pride in joining the ranks of Seb Coe and Steve Ovett.
Rounding out the donations, Paweł Wojciechowski, the 2011 world pole vault champion, presented a personalized pole vault pole sleeve used between 2018 and 2021. Wojciechowski jokingly recalled his admiration for Sergey Bubka growing up and expressed his delight at being an ambassador for the World Indoor Championships, despite feeling “an exhausted organiser.”
Honoring a Polish Hero: Janusz Kusociński
The ceremony similarly included a poignant moment of remembrance with the posthumous awarding of the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in the ‘Legend’ category to Janusz Kusociński. Kusociński made history as Poland’s first male Olympic gold medallist, winning the 10,000m at the 1932 Los Angeles Games in Olympic record time. Tragically, his life was cut short during World War II due to his involvement in the Polish resistance. Sebastian Chmara, in his role as President of the Polish Athletics Association, accepted the plaque on Kusociński’s behalf, recognizing his bravery both on and off the track.
The host region’s involvement was further symbolized by the donation of the official championships’ mascot, Goosia. Assisted by young athletes from the local MKL Toruń club, Valerie Adams, a four-time world indoor shot put champion and Athlete Ambassador, presented the mascot costume to MOWA, alongside a championships medal and relay baton. Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region, Piotr Całbecki, and LOC President Krzysztof Wolsztyński were also presented with commemorative World Athletics Heritage Trophies by Coe in recognition of their support.
The MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition Kujawy Pomorze 26, which has welcomed over 55,000 visitors since opening on February 20th, serves as a vital link between the sport’s storied past and its present stars. The exhibition aims to inspire future generations of athletes and fans, ensuring the spirit of Polish athletics continues to thrive.
As the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26 progress, the legacy of these champions and the enduring spirit of athletics will undoubtedly inspire athletes and fans alike. The MOWA exhibition will remain open through the end of the championships on Sunday, March 22, 2026, offering a lasting tribute to the sport’s rich history.
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