Józef Szmidt

Józef Szmidt (born March 28, 1935 in Miechowice, Bytom, Silesia) is a former Polish athlete. Having German roots, he is often referred to by the Germanized name Jozef Schmidt.

Szmidt, a mechanic by profession, was the world's leading triple jumper in the early 1960's, becoming European champion in 1958 and 1962, and Olympic champion in 1960 and 1964. The two latter years he was awarded the "Sportsman of the Year" prize in Poland. With a jump of 17,03 in 1960, Szmidt was the first triple jumper to reach 17 metres.

In 1975 Szmidt settled in West Germany, but returned to Poland in 1992. He is the brother of track anf field athlete Edward Szmidt, who competed at the 1956 Summer Olympics.

References

* [http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/sz/jozef-szmidt-1.html sports-reference]