Who was the best Polish athlete? The list of nominees has just been revealed

ByValeska
Aleksandra Mirosław

As every year, this time at the beginning of 2026, we will know the winner of the “Przegląd Sportowy” Plebiscite for the Best Polish Athlete AD 2025.

It is the second oldest plebiscite of this type in the world, dating back to 1926. The world’s doyen in this category comes from Sweden and is only a year older, because the organization started in 1925. The first winner in Poland was Wacław Kuchar, representing sports disciplines such as ice hockey, athletics, speed skating and, finally, football.

Iga Świątek or Bartosz Zmarzlik? Or maybe Robert Lewandowski?

Looking at the all-time classifications, Justyna Kowalczyk has the most wins in the history of the “Przegląd Sportowy” Plebiscite – as many as five. Moreover, the cross-country skier won five times in a row between 2009-13. Adam Małysz, Irena Szewińska and Stanisława Walasiewicz have four triumphs each.

Of the currently nominated candidates, Robert Lewandowski can boast three triumphs. “Lewy” won in the 2015, 2020 and 2021 editions. RL9 is among the 25 nominees for 2025.

In the last edition, Aleksandra Mirosław was unrivaled. The athlete representing sport climbing won the only gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris, so it is hardly surprising that Poland chose this – quite non-obvious, but fully deserved direction. Mirosław was also awarded the title of “Person of the Year 2024” by WPROST, which is also worth emphasizing.

This year’s favorites? It seems that the greatest chances may lie with tennis player Iga Świątek – winner of the legendary Wimbledon – and speedway rider Bartosz Zmarzlik. The latter won the world champion title for the sixth time, equaling the achievements of the best in the history of “black sport” – Ivan Mauger and Tony Rickardson.

Interestingly, Świątek won the “PS” plebiscite twice (2022 and 2023), and Zmarzlik once (2019). It is also worth noting the return of Robert Kubica to the group of honorees. In the past 12 months, the winner of the “PS” plebiscite in 2008 was, among others: runner-up in the world and triumphed in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

List of nominees in the 91st Plebiscite of “Przegląd Sportowy” for the Best Athlete of Poland – for 2025

  • 1. Agata Barwińska (sailing)

  • 2. Mateusz Biskup and Mirosław Ziętarski (rowing)

  • 3. Krzysztof Chmielewski (swimming)

  • 4. Zuzanna Cieślar (fencing)

  • 5. Agata Kaczmarska (boxing)

  • 6. Anna Puławska and Martyna Klatt (kayaking)

  • 7. Agnieszka Korneluk (volleyball)

  • 8. Aleksandra Król-Walas (snowboard)

  • 9. Robert Kubica (automobilism)

  • 10. Wilfredo Leon (volleyball)

  • 11. Robert Lewandowski (football)

  • 12. Kamil Majchrzak (tennis)

  • 13. Natalia Maliszewska (short track)

  • 14. Miko Marczyk (automobilism)

  • 15. Aleksandra Mirosław (climbing)

  • 16. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (cycling)

  • 17. Ewa Pajor (football)

  • 18. Mateusz Ponitka (basketball)

  • 19. Aneta Rygielska (boxing)

  • 20. Vladimir Semirunniy (speed skating)

  • 21. Julia Szeremeta (boxing)

  • 22. Iga Świątek (tennis)

  • 23. Bartosz Zmarzlik (speedway)

  • 24. Klaudia Zwolińska (whitewater kayaking)

  • 25. Maria Żodzik (athletics)

The results of the 91st edition of the plebiscite will be announced during the Sports Champions Gala. This will take place on January 10, 2026.

Interestingly, after a nine-year break, the event returns to Polish Television, where it will be broadcast – on TVP 1 and TVP Sport. The Sports Champions Gala is organized under the slogan of the centenary of the “Przegląd Sportowy” Plebiscite.

The gala will take place at the Grand Theater – National Opera in Warsaw.

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