50th WCH: 77 & 81 World Champion Janusz Peciak (POL)

50th WCH: 77 & 81 World Champion Janusz Peciak (POL)
Janusz Peciak from Poland the 1977 and 1981 World Champion:

Name: Presently Janusz Peciak however in the past I was referred to as Janusz Gerard Pyciak vell Peciak
Nationality: Polish and American

Age: Irrelevant….. Over 60

Years and Location that you won World Championships: 1977 Poland, 1981 USA

How many years had you been training MP before you won: 7

What other honors did you win: 1977 and 1981 voted by Polish People the best athlete among all sports in Poland 1976 Olympic Champion

Your inspiration while competing: I hated to lose

Your strongest discipline: Running and fencing. Sometimes riding depending on what horse was drawn.

Your biggest rival while competing: Ledniev, Masala and of course, myself

What was the "key factor" which led you to win the Olympic gold medal? Focusing on only myself and what I needed to do to win .I never focused on what others were doing.

How your life (sport and private life) change like after becoming World Champion?

My life changed a lot. I became a stronger, more confident person. I broadened my horizons by gaining a better understanding of people.

What do you remember from the championships: crowd, weather, memorable moments, hospitality, facilities etc (paint a picture of what the Championships were like back then) In 1977, Poland was under big political pressure. Everyone in Poland was watching World Championships and the grueling battle between Masala and myself. It was a fantastic World Championships in every respect. The last 20 meters determined who would win. I think, 1977 Daniele Masala was more popular in Poland, than in Italy .Winning world championships in front of my home crowd, was a huge moral boost for my country and gained respect and knowledge of the sport in Poland

How the sport has changed? Endurance doesn’t play as much of a role anymore. I like the new format. The sport has gained excitement from a spectator and media perspective.

How do you think you would stand competing against the current crop of athletes in the current format? I would not be the last one

Current life (involved in sport or not? If not what is he/she doing?) Coach of the US pentathlon team, TD UIPM and Pentathlon guru.

In your opinion, who could get into the “hall of fame” for MP and why/for what reason? My choice would be Andreas Balczo. Not only for his talent in sport and his athletic performance, but for being an amazing person who spoke out for what he believed in and is an inspiration to his country.

Tell us a bit about your family: My ex-wife lives somewhere in the Rocky Mountains?? I do however know the addresses of both my wonderful children. My son Jasio and my daughter Gosia.