Double world champion Beata Maksymow (56) passed away

Beata Maksymow-Wendt, the trailblazing Polish judoka and first Polish world champion in judo, has passed away at the age of 56. The sad news was confirmed by her former club, KJ Koka Jastrzębie Zdrój.

Standing at 180 cm and weighing over 120 kg, Beata was affectionately nicknamed "Kruszyna" by her peers, a playful reference to her formidable presence on the tatami. Her career in judo was marked by remarkable achievements and a legacy that paved the way for future generations of Polish judokas.

Maksymow-Wendt's Olympic journey spanned three editions of the Games. She finished in fifth place in the +72 kg category at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics and repeated this feat in the +78 kg category at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Her third Olympic appearance was at the Sydney 2000 Games, where she was eliminated in her first contest.

Her world championship victories were significant milestones in her career. She won her first world title in 1993 in Hamilton, Canada, competing in the open category. She then claimed her second world championship gold in 1999 in Birmingham in the +72 kg category. Maksymow-Wendt's prowess was further demonstrated by her impressive haul of 13 medals at the European Championships, including golds in 1991, 1996, and 1997.

Dominating the national judo scene in Poland, she was a 23-time Polish champion, remaining unrivalled for more than two decades. Born in Czeladź, Beata began her judo career at the age of 15 with GKS Jastrzębie. Over the years, she also represented Błękitny Kielce, KS Koka Jastrzębie, and AZS Wrocław.

After retiring from competitive judo in 2001, Maksymow-Wendt dedicated herself to working as a tutor in a prison. In her later years, she faced health challenges, including spine issues that she spoke about publicly.

Beata Maksymow-Wendt leaves behind a legacy of excellence in judo, remembered not only for her accomplishments but also for her influence on the sport in Poland. Her passing marks the end of an era for Polish judo. After her two world titles only five Polish women achieved to win a World Championships medal: Katarzyna Klys in 2014, Agata Ozdoba in 2017, Julia Kowalczyk in 2019, Beata Pacut in 2022 and recently the only silver medallist Angelika Szymańska.