Adam Kszczot

Adam Piotr Kszczot (pronounced [ˈadam ˈkʂt͡ʂɔt]; born 2 September 1989) is a Polish retired middle-distance runner who specialised in the 800 metres. His achievements include silver medals at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships in Athletics, gold at the 2018 World Indoor Championships as well as silver and bronze at the 2014 and 2010 World Indoor Championships respectively. Kszczot won three gold medals in the 800 m at both the European Outdoor and Indoor Championships. He twice competed at the Olympic Games, in 2012 and 2016, narrowly missing the final on both occasions.

Kszczot was the 800 m bronze medallist at the 2007 European Under-20 Championships. He took gold medals at both the 2009 and 2011 European U23 Championships. He is the Polish indoor record holder for the 800 metres. Kszczot won 13 individual national titles (indoors and out, including two 1500 metres titles).

Personal life

Adam Kszczot was born and raised in Opoczno by his parents, mother Ewa - a former mathematics teacher and father Stanisław Kszczot, a carpenter. He has two sisters, Agata and Ewa. His older brother Jacek died at age 17 as a result of electric shock during agricultural work. He graduated from the Lodz University of Technology in Management. In October 2014 he married Renata (nee Borkowska). In October 2017 his wife gave birth to their son named Ignacy.

Career

Kszczot reached the international level after competing in local and then national events. He won the bronze medal at the 2007 European Junior Championships, finished fourth at the 2008 World Junior Championships and won the 2009 European U23 Championships. He finished fourth at the 2009 European Indoor Championships and competed at the 2009 World Championships without reaching the final.