Walenty Kłyszejko facts for kids

Walenty Kłyszejko was a talented basketball coach and player. He was from both Estonia and Poland. He was also a professor who taught about physical education at a university in Warsaw. Walenty Kłyszejko was born on December 2, 1909, and passed away on August 20, 1987.

Walenty Kłyszejko's Early Life

Walenty Kłyszejko was born in Saint Petersburg. This city was part of the Russian Empire back then. In the 1910s, his family moved to Tallinn, Estonia.

Starting Basketball

In Tallinn, Walenty began playing basketball. He joined a local YMCA team. He also played for the national team of Estonia. He played in five games for his country.

Moving to Poland and Coaching

In 1933, Walenty Kłyszejko moved to Poland. He went to study at The Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. While studying, he also became a coach for the Polonia Warszawa basketball team.

Coaching the Polish National Team

Walenty Kłyszejko became the coach of the Polish national basketball team in 1936. This was a very important role.

Olympic Success

Under his coaching, the Polish team went to the 1936 Summer Olympics. They finished in fourth place. This was the best result ever for Polish basketball at the Olympics.

European Championship Medal

In 1939, Walenty Kłyszejko led the Polish team again. They played in the European Championships. The team won a bronze medal. This was another great achievement for Polish basketball.

Life After Basketball

Walenty Kłyszejko also served in the military. He fought in the Polish September Campaign. After this, he went to Great Britain. He continued to be a soldier in the Polish Army.

Return to Poland

After World War II, he came back to Poland. He continued to be involved in sports. He coached the AZS-AWF Warszawa team. He also wrote books about sports. Walenty Kłyszejko gave many lectures about physical education.