Bishop Dolegiewicz, passed away at 55 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Rick Reelie   
Wednesday, 12 November 2008 15:04

bishflexZbigniew (Bishop) Dolegiewicz,

My first Coach, a former Canadian champion and three-time Olympian in track and field, died Wednesday at the age 55 in Lehi, Utah.
His career included 13 medals at the Canadian championships — three in the discus and 10 in the shot put.
His best finish at the Olympics was 11th at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
It was Canada's best finish ever in the shot put at the Olympics until Dylan Armstrong finished fourth this year in Beijing.
Dolegiewicz also won medals at the Commonwealth and Pan American competitions.

In 1986 I started training with Bish's strength and throws group in Saskatoon. This doesn’t seem out of the ordinary except the fact myself and another thrower (Stewart McKewan) were in chairs. To Bish, this wasnt an issue, we were throwers and we would train, travel and compete with the THROWERS!
This concept of  an “Integrated programs” is now only being accepted, 20 years after Bish!

He respected people that worked hard, played hard and were fair to others, these morals were instilled upon us. What else was instilled upon us was fact that if Bish ever caught any of his athletes using steroids you would have to deal with him. For someone very open about his past steroid use he was more so open about not using.

I will remember all the fun after, sometimes during the meets, in the hotel room!

I recall one trip to Mt Sac Relays. We were in a condo (about 12 of us!) in San Diego, Stewart and I had been rooming together, two chairs in one room, you can imagine the state of that room!  Bish went around to all the rooms to ensure they were in a proper state before we left. This was the first time I recall seeing Bish angry. I can tell you Stew and I had that place looking better than when we arrived!

I have never to this day met a man so large in stature with such an easy friendly outlook on life. He just seemed to always be smiling and always made time for you.

His dedication and commitment to his athletes has had a major influence on the coach I have become today.

I was never lucky enough to see Bishop compete  at his prime. I’ve seen photos, video clips and the odd re-run of the old Worlds Toughest Man contests but the stories still go around, and if I/We keep on telling them then Bish will always be with us.

We will miss you Bish…

 
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 November 2008 16:13 )
 

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