Zenon Smiechowski (born May 13, 1955) is a Canadian former athlete who specialised in decathlon.[1]

Zenon Smiechowski
Personal information
Birth nameZenon Smiechowski
Born (1955-05-13) May 13, 1955 (age 69)
Poland
Sport
SportAthletics
EventDecathlon
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Pan American Games
Bronze medal – third place 1979 San Juan Decathlon

Born in Poland, Smiechowski moved to Canada as a child in 1964, settling with his family in Grande Prairie, Alberta.[2]

Smiechowski began competing seriously in athletics towards the end of high school and in 1975 became Canadian junior decathlon champion. He didn't get a chance to compete at the following year's Olympics in Montreal as the Canadian delegation opted to not send a decathlete.[3] A Simon Fraser University varsity athlete, Smiechowski won the national senior decathlon title every year from 1976 to 1979. He finished in the bronze medal position at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, behind Bobby Coffman and Tito Steiner.[4]

From 1982 to 1998, Smiechowski was coach of Simon Fraser University's track & field and cross country programs, which he led to 10 NAIA national championships, having particular success in women's cross country.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ "Zenon, Kim Turnbull's top stars". The Daily Herald-Tribune. May 5, 1982.
  2. ^ "Zenon still has his eye on Games medal". The Daily Herald-Tribune. August 8, 1978.
  3. ^ "Zenon seeks GP's aid". The Daily Herald-Tribune. February 2, 1978.
  4. ^ a b "Zenon Smiechowski (2013) - Hall of Fame". Simon Fraser University Athletics.
  5. ^ "Coach still learning, winning". The Province. May 24, 1992.