Mateusz Rozmiarek | Eugeniusz Piasecki University of Physical Education in Poznan, Poland (original) (raw)
Papers by Mateusz Rozmiarek
Frontiers in Nutrition, 2024
Introduction: Orthorexia lacks official recognition as an eating disorder; however, orthorexic be... more Introduction: Orthorexia lacks official recognition as an eating disorder; however, orthorexic behaviors, associated with a stringent selection of food, may serve as a predisposing factor to the development of eating disorders. It is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and strict dietary standards, often prevalent in high-risk groups such as athletes and individuals concerned with their physical appearance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of orthorexia among students exhibiting varying lifestyles (including dietary habits and levels of physical activity, along with their respective motivational factors). The research involved 600 participants equally distributed between health-related (HRF) and non-health-related (NRF) academic categories, with the majority of participants in the HRF category being women. Methods: Assessments included BMI calculations, dietary evaluation based on Polish standards, categorization of physical activity levels, the EMI-2 questionnaire on motivation to exercise, the DOS test for orthorexia propensity, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire for eating behavior. Results and discussion: Results showed that primary motivators for physical activity included disease prevention, health maintenance, strength/endurance, and physical appearance. Orthorexia tendencies were prevalent, particularly in the HRF group, linked to lower BMI, better diet quality, higher physical activity levels, and a higher prevalence of restrictive eating. In conclusion, students in health-related fields, driven by a strong health consciousness, are at risk of orthorexia. This emphasizes the need for balanced health education and support. Conclusion: Orthorexic tendencies are associated with distorted perceptions of food portions and calories, underscoring the importance of awareness and intervention.
Sustainability, 2024
The aim of the article is to elucidate pro-environmental solutions and activities, consonant with... more The aim of the article is to elucidate pro-environmental solutions and activities, consonant with the tenets of sustainability and enduring developmental paradigms, implemented within the infrastructural purview of the cultural institutions situated in Poznan—a municipality located in western Poland. A diagnostic scrutiny was executed encompassing the entirety of municipal cultural entities, constituting a cumulative assemblage of 15 establishments, all of which were extended invitations to participate in this investigation. Interrogations were directed towards ascertaining their strategic, environmentally conscientious determinations vis à vis the construction, renovation, or modernization of edifices during the temporal expanse of 2021 and 2022. Ultimately, responses germane to the posed inquiries were proffered by 7 institutions, as the remaining entities refrained from financial investments during the stipulated timeframe. The discerned outcomes illuminate the manifold pro-environmental measures and endeavors embraced by these institutions within the domain of infrastructural initiatives. These initiatives pertain to ecological considerations, safeguarding the natural milieu, and fortifying sustainability, encompassing facets such as energy and water conservation, the abatement of water and air contaminants, recycling endeavors, the utilization of renewable materials, the afforestation of vicinities, and the mitigation of the ostensibly designated “heat island effect”, among sundry others. These initiatives are not only significant for the current ecological situation worldwide, but they also appear to be crucial for the better future of the next generations.
Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2024
Since ancient times, animals have been used by man for a variety of purposes. Among these were bi... more Since ancient times, animals have been used by man for a variety of purposes. Among these were birds, including flightless birds, led by the ostriches. This article attempts to show the importance of ostrich hunting in different cultures of the world in the nineteenth century, based on publications in the British press. The historical method was used to write the article and the source material for the research was press releases published in Britain. The analysis of the sources showed that English-speaking readers were familiar with the ostrich-hunting customs of various peoples living in South American and African areas. The press materials allowed readers to learn in detail about the course of the hunt or the techniques used to carry it out, which could also indirectly contribute to the inclusion of ostriches as attractions in circus staging programmes. On the other hand, the nomenclature used by the authors of the press articles clearly indicates that ostrich hunting was described as a sport that constituted both high-class entertainment and a profitable enterprise.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2024
Trames. A Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2023
This article examines the historical context of public health in the territory of the Grand Duchy... more This article examines the historical context of public health in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Posen in Prussian-partitioned Poland of the mid-nineteenth century, focusing on the circus as a local entertainment attraction that could indirectly contribute to well-being and the physical and mental health of the Polish population. Non-reactive research methods used in historical sciences were applied to analyse archival materials related to the widely acclaimed Olympic circus of that era. The findings of the conducted research are press releases, particularly the note published in the local press on June 11, 1856. Circus performances, showcasing sports, culture, and human prowess, exemplified high physical culture levels, offering relaxing, imaginative, and sensory experiences. It is argued that through the performances of professional athletes, the circus promoted attitudes of self-development and the need to strive for set goals, especially important for the Poles in the context of their independence aspirations.
Physical Activity Review, 2024
Introduction: In 1839 the Gazeta Wielkiego Xięstwa Poznańskiego (Gazette of the Grand Duchy of Po... more Introduction: In 1839 the Gazeta Wielkiego Xięstwa Poznańskiego (Gazette of the Grand Duchy of Posen) announced the holding of the Olympic Games in the city of Posen by Rudolph Brilloff's circus troupe. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Rudolph Brilloff in the history of nineteenth-century circus and to ascertain whether he consciously advocated for the organization of Olympic Games in circus format as part of the legacy of the Olympic tradition. Moreover, it aims to explore the distinctive characteristics of his circus performances within the realm of the Grand Duchy of Posen. Materials and Methods: The study used the historical methodology of the humanities of physical culture. Books, newspapers and other documents from archives and library collections in Poznan, Berlin and Potsdam were consulted. Findings: The research results show that although Rudolph Brilloff is considered the father of the German circus, little biographical information about him has survived. As a talented circus entrepreneur, who performed with his troupe under the name of the Olympic Games, he probably had little awareness or knowledge of the Olympic idea and therefore did not intend to promote it. However, Brilloff's circus staged unique performances in the form of pantomimes or feats rarely seen in Poland before due to their dangerous nature, e.g. the salto mortale, also known as the leap of death. Summary: Rudolph Brilloff can be regarded as the forgotten father of German circus and should not be directly associated with the question of the Olympic legacy. However, Brilloff's work had a real impact on nineteenth-century society and certainly contributed to other circuses expanding their repertoires with new elements based on various physical activities, ultimately leading to the development of modern circus art.
Nutrients, 2023
Global self-esteem is a psychological concept that refers to the overall assessment of oneself as... more Global self-esteem is a psychological concept that refers to the overall assessment of oneself as a person of value. Body composition is measured by indices such as BMI, BF, and LBM, which have implications for health and self-esteem. Physical activity is associated with numerous health and self-esteem benefits. The purpose of this study focuses on assessing the relationship between global self-esteem, body composition, and physical activity among Polish students. The study was conducted on a group of 305 students between the ages of 19 and 26. The participants were divided into groups according to their level of physical activity. The SES scale by M. Rosenberg assessed the subjects’ global self-esteem. The results showed a negative correlation between body weight and BMI and global self-esteem, that is, the higher the body weight, the lower the self-esteem. On the other hand, higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher global self-esteem. The study suggests that maintaining healthy physical activity and body composition can help improve global self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of physical activity for mental health and self-esteem. It is worth encouraging and promoting physical activity among students to support an individual’s physical and emotional health. Ultimately, this study may have implications for health policy, education, and intervention for students to emphasize the importance of physical activity for self-esteem and overall health.
Sport in History, 2020
The Cotswold Olimpick Games in Gloucestershire, England, are generally considered by sports histo... more The Cotswold Olimpick Games in Gloucestershire, England, are generally considered by sports historians to be the first so-called ‘pseudo-Olympics’, i.e. competitions referring to the broadly understood Olympic idea inspired by the ancient Olympic Games. Although the exact date of the first Cotswold Games remains unknown, they were in all likelihood founded by a local lawyer Robert Dover in 1612, as evidenced by his settling a year earlier in Saintbury near Chipping Campden – the officially accepted venue of the games. However, in 1609, a large group of knights, esquires and gallants from all over the region were known to visit Hereford on May Day to participate in an Olympian race. It is therefore likely that the Hereford race was historically the first, unequivocally confirmed, sporting event termed ‘Olympic’, not the Cotswold Olimpick Games or other competitions held in the seventeenthcentury British Isles, such as the Olympian Games in the Brae of Mar, or the Gog Magog Olympiks, dated several years after the Hereford event.
The International Journal of the History of Sport, 2020
The Grand Duchy of Posen, which was created and incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815,... more The Grand Duchy of Posen, which was created and incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815, developed less dynamically in relation to other parts of the Prussian state, also in the area of physical culture. However, since the end of the 1830s a gradual increase in the Duchy residents’ interest in sports became noticeable. Authors of several works on the subject of Olympic Games even indicate that in the nineteenth century the Grand Duchy of Posen hosted athletic competitions dubbed ‘Greek competitions’ or ‘Olympic Games’ that can be compared with similar competitions held in Europe and North America called ‘pseudo-Olympics’. A review of available sources reveals, however, that numerous errors and unverified data on this subject have been commonly duplicated. In the nineteenth century circuses and athletic troupes did stage various types of performances and shows, which could – however only to a limited extent – be likened to the ancient Olympic Games. This is confirmed, for example, in a press note by a correspondent of the Dziennik Poznański (Posen Daily) from 1873, one of the most valuable sources from the period, who indicated the town of Grätz (present-day Grodzisk Wielkopolski) as a venue for those performances.
Olympic Studies. 23rd International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 2017
The article examines instances of the impact of politics and international relations on sport and... more The article examines instances of the impact of politics and international relations on sport and the Olympic movement in view of the so-called Syndrome of the 25-year Recurrence. The recurrence of developments directly related to multilateral politics can be observable since the organization of the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896. Although the degree of relations between the Olympics and international politics has varied and depended on specific circumstances, politics has tended to overshadow the Olympic spectacle and aspired to be the key component of the Games, roughly every twenty years. The author argues, on the basis of numerous examples, that the Olympic Games in the years 1896, 1916, 1936, 1956, 1976 and 1996 were dominated by political developments.
Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2020
Etos emigranta może być związany z kulturą fizyczną. Na kartach historii sportu czy olimpizmu odn... more Etos emigranta może być związany z kulturą fizyczną. Na kartach historii sportu czy olimpizmu odnaleźć można przykłady wielu sportowców, którzy, motywując się różnymi celami, wybywali ze swoich rodzimych krajów. Jednym z powodów była chęć osiągnięcia sukcesu i zdobycia mistrzostwa sportowego. Okazuje się, że już podczas pierwszych igrzysk olimpijskich zauważalny był taki trend, choć kolejne rozłożone w czasie rozgrywki także go potwierdzają. Temat ten, nastręczający w przeszłości licznych problemów, należy jednak rozpatrywać z perspektywy dwóch płaszczyzn, emigracji przed uzyskaniem zaplanowanego dokonania, a także decyzji o wyjeździe po osiągnięciu najważniejszych zwycięstw. Przykładami potwierdzającymi oba warianty w niniejszym artykule mogą być z jednej strony liczne przypadki uczestników pierwszych igrzysk olimpijskich (co ukazano, dokonując charakterystyki sportowców biorących udział w Igrzyskach I, II oraz III Olimpiady), a z drugiej biografia wybitnego węgierskiego piłkarza Ferenca Puskása, który zdecydował się na wieloletnią emigrację ze względu na sytuację wewnętrzną w jego kraju, a nie chęć zysku czy zdobycia większej sławy.
European Review, 2020
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries a specific type of games took place in the Roman Acad... more In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries a specific type of games took place in the Roman Academy of Arcadia. These games were a major cultural event in the academy and were a type of poetry competition which, in many aspects, was similar to the ancient Olympic Games. Therefore, they are a perfect example of the heritage of the
Olympic spirit of the given era.
Studies in Sport Humanities, 2019
This article presents biographical overviews and details of the sporting careers of cousins Alfre... more This article presents biographical overviews and details of the sporting careers of cousins Alfred and Gustav Flatow, one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of modern era German sport, born in Danzig and Berent (nowadays Gdańsk and Kościerzyna). At a young age, the athletes proved that – owing to their determination and hard work – it was possible to qualify for the national team and partake at the Olympic Games, and then show the world their extraordinary skills, thus demonstrating the German gymnastic power. Although they spent the last years of their lives in the Netherlands, where they emigrated, today they are considered to be the undisputed victims of the Nazi genocide among Jewish-German Olympic gymnasts. In recent years, in both Poland and Germany, they have been commemorated in different ways.
Olimpianos – Journal of Olympic Studies, 2018
After an arduous fight for the rights of women and black people practically throughout the entire... more After an arduous fight for the rights of women and black people practically throughout the entire twentieth century, the voice of members of community encompassing sexual minorities and other individuals with non-normative genders has been increasingly appearing in the public discourse. This is another group that began to demand respect and acceptance. Their actions are carried out at different levels. One of such ventures are the Olympic Games, whose range of influence and popularity is regularly increasing. Is there, therefore, a time-dependent correlation between the biannually held (alternately summer and winter), most recognized international sports competitions and the actions of people belonging to sexual minorities whose orientation is not heterosexual and people with gender identity different from their assigned sex? The following analysis shows the Olympic history in that regard, which, supplemented with numerous sport threads about the fight for the rights of women and people with a skin color other than white, is designed to verify the presented hypothesis.
Olimpianos – Journal of Olympic Studies, 2018
The purpose of the study was to examine the motivations to participate in a half-marathon among w... more The purpose of the study was to examine the motivations to participate in a half-marathon among women-local runners and sport-tourists-and also to evaluate the differences between these two groups of respondents. Most of the research concerns motivation to run among men. With the increase in the popularity of mass running events, the question what encourages women to engage in physical activity, especially outside their everyday place of residence, becomes very important now. The sample comprised 214 women that participated in the 6th Poznan Half Marathon in Poland. To evaluate the motivation to participate in the half-marathon event, a self-constructed questionnaire was used. Results indicated that local runners and sport-tourists have similar forms of motivation and similar meanings to the event participation with some significance differences. A socio-demographic profile of a half-marathon female participant was also examined. In general, the findings of the present study provide an understanding of motivation to participate in a half-marathon event in different women groups. Current research on the motivation of the running event participants was aimed at determining how meaningful some aspects are. These aspects were not only a willingness to stay fit, healthy, and slim, but also to build social relationships and look for the experiences and emotions that come with recreational sport. These results might be useful for sport managers and city government to analyze consumer behavior and utilize the results in the strategic planning, marketing and implementation of physical culture in connection with massive sport events organizations.
Rozprawy Naukowe Akademii Wychowania Fizycznego we Wrocławiu, 2018
Koncepcja dziedzictwa masowych wydarzeń sportowych zarysowała się w latach 90 XX w. Wtedy też zro... more Koncepcja dziedzictwa masowych wydarzeń sportowych zarysowała się w latach 90 XX w. Wtedy też zrodziły się pierwsze pytania o plusy i minusy organizacji tego typu imprez, nie tylko w aspekcie gospodarczym, ale także ekologicznym i społeczno-kulturowym. W tym czasie zaczęto używać słowa „dziedzictwo” w dyskursie naukowym. Za granicą analizy skutków oddziaływania wydarzeń sportowych prowadzone są od kilkunastu lat. W Polsce jest to jednak temat stosunkowo rzadko poruszany w badaniach naukowych. Takie rozważania są natomiast niezwykle potrzebne, nie tylko dlatego, że już organizowaliśmy turniej piłkarski UEFA EURO 2012, ale także z powodu pojawienia się pierwszych prób organizacji igrzysk olimpijskich. Celem artykułu jest ukazanie bieżących trendów w zarządzaniu masowymi imprezami sportowymi na przykładzie igrzysk olimpijskich, tj. kreowania dziedzictwa w sferze ekonomicznej, ekologicznej oraz społeczno-kulturowej. Przedstawiono również polityczne aspekty organizacji tego największego święta sportu.
Studies in Sport Humanities, 2017
The purpose of this article is to examine tourist behaviour of participants of the European Junio... more The purpose of this article is to examine tourist behaviour of participants of the European Junior Swimming Championships in Poznan and to examine the opinions of participants regarding this sporting event on its influence on the image of the city. Through the use of simple random sampling, a number of 210 swimmers participated in the study during the European Junior Swimming Championships held in 2013 in Poznan, Poland. Methods of the study included a diagnostic survey, a standardized interview technique and an interview questionnaire. All questions were closed-ended in nature and were analysed using the Likert-scale. Results show that more than 60% of respondents claimed that the European Junior Swimming Championships has positive impact on the image of the city of Poznan. More than 70% of them rated the impact of the event on the city to be 10.0 (on the Likert-scale). More than 70% of athletes participated in tourist activities such as sightseeing (70.7%). The average rating of satisfaction of the event was rated at 8.8 (Likert-scale) and 82.8% of athletes claimed they would return to Poznan in the future. The survey results additionally indicated gaps regarding the city’s cultural offers for tourists during the sporting event. A sample of 210 swimmers completed the questionnaire. The sample was selected in such a way as to ensure proper representation of the obtained results. Simple random sampling, which is a draw without return, was used. Information on the expected number of participants was used to determine the sample size. Calculations were used for the sample size, for the finite population. It was assumed that the maximum error of estimation (e) at a 95% confidence level did not exceed 4%. Results of this empirical case study provide a source of information for event organisers, and those responsible for the development of sport and tourism on the scale of impact of international sporting events. While most research participants in the current literature were sports fans, this study addressed the topic from the perspective of active participants of the event (e.g. athletes). The paper presents the results of empirical research, case study – European Junior Swimming Championships.
Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 2016
Celem artykułu jest określenie potencjału turystyki eventów sportowych w Poznaniu. W pracy dokona... more Celem artykułu jest określenie potencjału turystyki eventów sportowych w Poznaniu. W pracy dokonano analizy imprez sportowych, które od kilku lat odbywają się w Poznaniu (cyklicznie lub niecyklicznie). Scharakteryzowano również ich wymiar społeczno-kulturowy oraz wybrane wątki polityczne. Szczególny nacisk położony został na opis mega-wydarzenia sportowego, które miało miejsce w stolicy Wielkopolski w 2012 roku – turnieju UEFA EURO 2012. = The aim of this article is to determine the potential of sport event tourism in Poznan. The study analyzes sporting events, which for several years held in Poznan (cyclic or acyclic). Also they characterized their socio-cultural and political themes selected. Particular emphasis has been placed on the description of the mega-sporting event, which took place in the capital of Wielkopolska in 2012 – UEFA EURO 2012.
Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2018
Tematyka tzw. igrzysk pseudoolimpijskich jest polskiej literaturze naukowej stosunkowo mało znana... more Tematyka tzw. igrzysk pseudoolimpijskich jest polskiej literaturze naukowej stosunkowo mało znana, a o niektórych próbach wskrzeszenia olimpiad oraz ich twórcach słyszano jedynie fragmentarycznie lub wcale. Znalezienie i analiza materiałów dotyczących rzymskiej Akademii Arkadyjskiej przyniosło interesujące odkrycie, którego efektem jest niniejszy artykuł. Ma on na celu przybliżenie postaci Giovanniego Maria Crescimbeniego – jednego z założycieli Arkadii, jej pierwszego kustosza oraz głównego twórcy i organizatora specyficznego rodzaju zawodów – inspirowanych starożytnymi igrzyskami olimpijskimi – poetyckich gier olimpijskich, które były centralnym wydarzeniem kulturalnym akademii. Arkadyjskie poetyckie agony stanowią przykład dziedzictwa olimpijskiej idei pod koniec XVII i przez cały XVIII wiek.
Refleksje. Pismo naukowe studentów i doktorantów WNPiD UAM, 2016
In 1956, the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne coincided with the Hungarian Revolution, an a... more In 1956, the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne coincided with the Hungarian Revolution, an attempt of the Hungarians to free themselves from the Soviet domination, eventually suppressed by an armed intervention of the Soviet Army. During the semi-final water polo match between USSR and Hungary the players came to blows. The Hungarian Ervin Zádor was punched by a Soviet team player and his blood coloured the water in the pool red. The match ultimately ended in a victory for Hungary. The main goal of the article is to describe the conflict between Hungary and the USSR which had its tragic final in a sport match at the Melbourne Olympic Games. The 1956 Olympic Games showed to what extent political conflicts are mirrored in sport. Hungarians wanted to show they were a free nation and that they would never accept the political sway of Moscow over their country.
Frontiers in Nutrition, 2024
Introduction: Orthorexia lacks official recognition as an eating disorder; however, orthorexic be... more Introduction: Orthorexia lacks official recognition as an eating disorder; however, orthorexic behaviors, associated with a stringent selection of food, may serve as a predisposing factor to the development of eating disorders. It is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and strict dietary standards, often prevalent in high-risk groups such as athletes and individuals concerned with their physical appearance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of orthorexia among students exhibiting varying lifestyles (including dietary habits and levels of physical activity, along with their respective motivational factors). The research involved 600 participants equally distributed between health-related (HRF) and non-health-related (NRF) academic categories, with the majority of participants in the HRF category being women. Methods: Assessments included BMI calculations, dietary evaluation based on Polish standards, categorization of physical activity levels, the EMI-2 questionnaire on motivation to exercise, the DOS test for orthorexia propensity, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire for eating behavior. Results and discussion: Results showed that primary motivators for physical activity included disease prevention, health maintenance, strength/endurance, and physical appearance. Orthorexia tendencies were prevalent, particularly in the HRF group, linked to lower BMI, better diet quality, higher physical activity levels, and a higher prevalence of restrictive eating. In conclusion, students in health-related fields, driven by a strong health consciousness, are at risk of orthorexia. This emphasizes the need for balanced health education and support. Conclusion: Orthorexic tendencies are associated with distorted perceptions of food portions and calories, underscoring the importance of awareness and intervention.
Sustainability, 2024
The aim of the article is to elucidate pro-environmental solutions and activities, consonant with... more The aim of the article is to elucidate pro-environmental solutions and activities, consonant with the tenets of sustainability and enduring developmental paradigms, implemented within the infrastructural purview of the cultural institutions situated in Poznan—a municipality located in western Poland. A diagnostic scrutiny was executed encompassing the entirety of municipal cultural entities, constituting a cumulative assemblage of 15 establishments, all of which were extended invitations to participate in this investigation. Interrogations were directed towards ascertaining their strategic, environmentally conscientious determinations vis à vis the construction, renovation, or modernization of edifices during the temporal expanse of 2021 and 2022. Ultimately, responses germane to the posed inquiries were proffered by 7 institutions, as the remaining entities refrained from financial investments during the stipulated timeframe. The discerned outcomes illuminate the manifold pro-environmental measures and endeavors embraced by these institutions within the domain of infrastructural initiatives. These initiatives pertain to ecological considerations, safeguarding the natural milieu, and fortifying sustainability, encompassing facets such as energy and water conservation, the abatement of water and air contaminants, recycling endeavors, the utilization of renewable materials, the afforestation of vicinities, and the mitigation of the ostensibly designated “heat island effect”, among sundry others. These initiatives are not only significant for the current ecological situation worldwide, but they also appear to be crucial for the better future of the next generations.
Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2024
Since ancient times, animals have been used by man for a variety of purposes. Among these were bi... more Since ancient times, animals have been used by man for a variety of purposes. Among these were birds, including flightless birds, led by the ostriches. This article attempts to show the importance of ostrich hunting in different cultures of the world in the nineteenth century, based on publications in the British press. The historical method was used to write the article and the source material for the research was press releases published in Britain. The analysis of the sources showed that English-speaking readers were familiar with the ostrich-hunting customs of various peoples living in South American and African areas. The press materials allowed readers to learn in detail about the course of the hunt or the techniques used to carry it out, which could also indirectly contribute to the inclusion of ostriches as attractions in circus staging programmes. On the other hand, the nomenclature used by the authors of the press articles clearly indicates that ostrich hunting was described as a sport that constituted both high-class entertainment and a profitable enterprise.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2024
Trames. A Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2023
This article examines the historical context of public health in the territory of the Grand Duchy... more This article examines the historical context of public health in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Posen in Prussian-partitioned Poland of the mid-nineteenth century, focusing on the circus as a local entertainment attraction that could indirectly contribute to well-being and the physical and mental health of the Polish population. Non-reactive research methods used in historical sciences were applied to analyse archival materials related to the widely acclaimed Olympic circus of that era. The findings of the conducted research are press releases, particularly the note published in the local press on June 11, 1856. Circus performances, showcasing sports, culture, and human prowess, exemplified high physical culture levels, offering relaxing, imaginative, and sensory experiences. It is argued that through the performances of professional athletes, the circus promoted attitudes of self-development and the need to strive for set goals, especially important for the Poles in the context of their independence aspirations.
Physical Activity Review, 2024
Introduction: In 1839 the Gazeta Wielkiego Xięstwa Poznańskiego (Gazette of the Grand Duchy of Po... more Introduction: In 1839 the Gazeta Wielkiego Xięstwa Poznańskiego (Gazette of the Grand Duchy of Posen) announced the holding of the Olympic Games in the city of Posen by Rudolph Brilloff's circus troupe. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Rudolph Brilloff in the history of nineteenth-century circus and to ascertain whether he consciously advocated for the organization of Olympic Games in circus format as part of the legacy of the Olympic tradition. Moreover, it aims to explore the distinctive characteristics of his circus performances within the realm of the Grand Duchy of Posen. Materials and Methods: The study used the historical methodology of the humanities of physical culture. Books, newspapers and other documents from archives and library collections in Poznan, Berlin and Potsdam were consulted. Findings: The research results show that although Rudolph Brilloff is considered the father of the German circus, little biographical information about him has survived. As a talented circus entrepreneur, who performed with his troupe under the name of the Olympic Games, he probably had little awareness or knowledge of the Olympic idea and therefore did not intend to promote it. However, Brilloff's circus staged unique performances in the form of pantomimes or feats rarely seen in Poland before due to their dangerous nature, e.g. the salto mortale, also known as the leap of death. Summary: Rudolph Brilloff can be regarded as the forgotten father of German circus and should not be directly associated with the question of the Olympic legacy. However, Brilloff's work had a real impact on nineteenth-century society and certainly contributed to other circuses expanding their repertoires with new elements based on various physical activities, ultimately leading to the development of modern circus art.
Nutrients, 2023
Global self-esteem is a psychological concept that refers to the overall assessment of oneself as... more Global self-esteem is a psychological concept that refers to the overall assessment of oneself as a person of value. Body composition is measured by indices such as BMI, BF, and LBM, which have implications for health and self-esteem. Physical activity is associated with numerous health and self-esteem benefits. The purpose of this study focuses on assessing the relationship between global self-esteem, body composition, and physical activity among Polish students. The study was conducted on a group of 305 students between the ages of 19 and 26. The participants were divided into groups according to their level of physical activity. The SES scale by M. Rosenberg assessed the subjects’ global self-esteem. The results showed a negative correlation between body weight and BMI and global self-esteem, that is, the higher the body weight, the lower the self-esteem. On the other hand, higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher global self-esteem. The study suggests that maintaining healthy physical activity and body composition can help improve global self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of physical activity for mental health and self-esteem. It is worth encouraging and promoting physical activity among students to support an individual’s physical and emotional health. Ultimately, this study may have implications for health policy, education, and intervention for students to emphasize the importance of physical activity for self-esteem and overall health.
Sport in History, 2020
The Cotswold Olimpick Games in Gloucestershire, England, are generally considered by sports histo... more The Cotswold Olimpick Games in Gloucestershire, England, are generally considered by sports historians to be the first so-called ‘pseudo-Olympics’, i.e. competitions referring to the broadly understood Olympic idea inspired by the ancient Olympic Games. Although the exact date of the first Cotswold Games remains unknown, they were in all likelihood founded by a local lawyer Robert Dover in 1612, as evidenced by his settling a year earlier in Saintbury near Chipping Campden – the officially accepted venue of the games. However, in 1609, a large group of knights, esquires and gallants from all over the region were known to visit Hereford on May Day to participate in an Olympian race. It is therefore likely that the Hereford race was historically the first, unequivocally confirmed, sporting event termed ‘Olympic’, not the Cotswold Olimpick Games or other competitions held in the seventeenthcentury British Isles, such as the Olympian Games in the Brae of Mar, or the Gog Magog Olympiks, dated several years after the Hereford event.
The International Journal of the History of Sport, 2020
The Grand Duchy of Posen, which was created and incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815,... more The Grand Duchy of Posen, which was created and incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815, developed less dynamically in relation to other parts of the Prussian state, also in the area of physical culture. However, since the end of the 1830s a gradual increase in the Duchy residents’ interest in sports became noticeable. Authors of several works on the subject of Olympic Games even indicate that in the nineteenth century the Grand Duchy of Posen hosted athletic competitions dubbed ‘Greek competitions’ or ‘Olympic Games’ that can be compared with similar competitions held in Europe and North America called ‘pseudo-Olympics’. A review of available sources reveals, however, that numerous errors and unverified data on this subject have been commonly duplicated. In the nineteenth century circuses and athletic troupes did stage various types of performances and shows, which could – however only to a limited extent – be likened to the ancient Olympic Games. This is confirmed, for example, in a press note by a correspondent of the Dziennik Poznański (Posen Daily) from 1873, one of the most valuable sources from the period, who indicated the town of Grätz (present-day Grodzisk Wielkopolski) as a venue for those performances.
Olympic Studies. 23rd International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 2017
The article examines instances of the impact of politics and international relations on sport and... more The article examines instances of the impact of politics and international relations on sport and the Olympic movement in view of the so-called Syndrome of the 25-year Recurrence. The recurrence of developments directly related to multilateral politics can be observable since the organization of the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896. Although the degree of relations between the Olympics and international politics has varied and depended on specific circumstances, politics has tended to overshadow the Olympic spectacle and aspired to be the key component of the Games, roughly every twenty years. The author argues, on the basis of numerous examples, that the Olympic Games in the years 1896, 1916, 1936, 1956, 1976 and 1996 were dominated by political developments.
Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2020
Etos emigranta może być związany z kulturą fizyczną. Na kartach historii sportu czy olimpizmu odn... more Etos emigranta może być związany z kulturą fizyczną. Na kartach historii sportu czy olimpizmu odnaleźć można przykłady wielu sportowców, którzy, motywując się różnymi celami, wybywali ze swoich rodzimych krajów. Jednym z powodów była chęć osiągnięcia sukcesu i zdobycia mistrzostwa sportowego. Okazuje się, że już podczas pierwszych igrzysk olimpijskich zauważalny był taki trend, choć kolejne rozłożone w czasie rozgrywki także go potwierdzają. Temat ten, nastręczający w przeszłości licznych problemów, należy jednak rozpatrywać z perspektywy dwóch płaszczyzn, emigracji przed uzyskaniem zaplanowanego dokonania, a także decyzji o wyjeździe po osiągnięciu najważniejszych zwycięstw. Przykładami potwierdzającymi oba warianty w niniejszym artykule mogą być z jednej strony liczne przypadki uczestników pierwszych igrzysk olimpijskich (co ukazano, dokonując charakterystyki sportowców biorących udział w Igrzyskach I, II oraz III Olimpiady), a z drugiej biografia wybitnego węgierskiego piłkarza Ferenca Puskása, który zdecydował się na wieloletnią emigrację ze względu na sytuację wewnętrzną w jego kraju, a nie chęć zysku czy zdobycia większej sławy.
European Review, 2020
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries a specific type of games took place in the Roman Acad... more In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries a specific type of games took place in the Roman Academy of Arcadia. These games were a major cultural event in the academy and were a type of poetry competition which, in many aspects, was similar to the ancient Olympic Games. Therefore, they are a perfect example of the heritage of the
Olympic spirit of the given era.
Studies in Sport Humanities, 2019
This article presents biographical overviews and details of the sporting careers of cousins Alfre... more This article presents biographical overviews and details of the sporting careers of cousins Alfred and Gustav Flatow, one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of modern era German sport, born in Danzig and Berent (nowadays Gdańsk and Kościerzyna). At a young age, the athletes proved that – owing to their determination and hard work – it was possible to qualify for the national team and partake at the Olympic Games, and then show the world their extraordinary skills, thus demonstrating the German gymnastic power. Although they spent the last years of their lives in the Netherlands, where they emigrated, today they are considered to be the undisputed victims of the Nazi genocide among Jewish-German Olympic gymnasts. In recent years, in both Poland and Germany, they have been commemorated in different ways.
Olimpianos – Journal of Olympic Studies, 2018
After an arduous fight for the rights of women and black people practically throughout the entire... more After an arduous fight for the rights of women and black people practically throughout the entire twentieth century, the voice of members of community encompassing sexual minorities and other individuals with non-normative genders has been increasingly appearing in the public discourse. This is another group that began to demand respect and acceptance. Their actions are carried out at different levels. One of such ventures are the Olympic Games, whose range of influence and popularity is regularly increasing. Is there, therefore, a time-dependent correlation between the biannually held (alternately summer and winter), most recognized international sports competitions and the actions of people belonging to sexual minorities whose orientation is not heterosexual and people with gender identity different from their assigned sex? The following analysis shows the Olympic history in that regard, which, supplemented with numerous sport threads about the fight for the rights of women and people with a skin color other than white, is designed to verify the presented hypothesis.
Olimpianos – Journal of Olympic Studies, 2018
The purpose of the study was to examine the motivations to participate in a half-marathon among w... more The purpose of the study was to examine the motivations to participate in a half-marathon among women-local runners and sport-tourists-and also to evaluate the differences between these two groups of respondents. Most of the research concerns motivation to run among men. With the increase in the popularity of mass running events, the question what encourages women to engage in physical activity, especially outside their everyday place of residence, becomes very important now. The sample comprised 214 women that participated in the 6th Poznan Half Marathon in Poland. To evaluate the motivation to participate in the half-marathon event, a self-constructed questionnaire was used. Results indicated that local runners and sport-tourists have similar forms of motivation and similar meanings to the event participation with some significance differences. A socio-demographic profile of a half-marathon female participant was also examined. In general, the findings of the present study provide an understanding of motivation to participate in a half-marathon event in different women groups. Current research on the motivation of the running event participants was aimed at determining how meaningful some aspects are. These aspects were not only a willingness to stay fit, healthy, and slim, but also to build social relationships and look for the experiences and emotions that come with recreational sport. These results might be useful for sport managers and city government to analyze consumer behavior and utilize the results in the strategic planning, marketing and implementation of physical culture in connection with massive sport events organizations.
Rozprawy Naukowe Akademii Wychowania Fizycznego we Wrocławiu, 2018
Koncepcja dziedzictwa masowych wydarzeń sportowych zarysowała się w latach 90 XX w. Wtedy też zro... more Koncepcja dziedzictwa masowych wydarzeń sportowych zarysowała się w latach 90 XX w. Wtedy też zrodziły się pierwsze pytania o plusy i minusy organizacji tego typu imprez, nie tylko w aspekcie gospodarczym, ale także ekologicznym i społeczno-kulturowym. W tym czasie zaczęto używać słowa „dziedzictwo” w dyskursie naukowym. Za granicą analizy skutków oddziaływania wydarzeń sportowych prowadzone są od kilkunastu lat. W Polsce jest to jednak temat stosunkowo rzadko poruszany w badaniach naukowych. Takie rozważania są natomiast niezwykle potrzebne, nie tylko dlatego, że już organizowaliśmy turniej piłkarski UEFA EURO 2012, ale także z powodu pojawienia się pierwszych prób organizacji igrzysk olimpijskich. Celem artykułu jest ukazanie bieżących trendów w zarządzaniu masowymi imprezami sportowymi na przykładzie igrzysk olimpijskich, tj. kreowania dziedzictwa w sferze ekonomicznej, ekologicznej oraz społeczno-kulturowej. Przedstawiono również polityczne aspekty organizacji tego największego święta sportu.
Studies in Sport Humanities, 2017
The purpose of this article is to examine tourist behaviour of participants of the European Junio... more The purpose of this article is to examine tourist behaviour of participants of the European Junior Swimming Championships in Poznan and to examine the opinions of participants regarding this sporting event on its influence on the image of the city. Through the use of simple random sampling, a number of 210 swimmers participated in the study during the European Junior Swimming Championships held in 2013 in Poznan, Poland. Methods of the study included a diagnostic survey, a standardized interview technique and an interview questionnaire. All questions were closed-ended in nature and were analysed using the Likert-scale. Results show that more than 60% of respondents claimed that the European Junior Swimming Championships has positive impact on the image of the city of Poznan. More than 70% of them rated the impact of the event on the city to be 10.0 (on the Likert-scale). More than 70% of athletes participated in tourist activities such as sightseeing (70.7%). The average rating of satisfaction of the event was rated at 8.8 (Likert-scale) and 82.8% of athletes claimed they would return to Poznan in the future. The survey results additionally indicated gaps regarding the city’s cultural offers for tourists during the sporting event. A sample of 210 swimmers completed the questionnaire. The sample was selected in such a way as to ensure proper representation of the obtained results. Simple random sampling, which is a draw without return, was used. Information on the expected number of participants was used to determine the sample size. Calculations were used for the sample size, for the finite population. It was assumed that the maximum error of estimation (e) at a 95% confidence level did not exceed 4%. Results of this empirical case study provide a source of information for event organisers, and those responsible for the development of sport and tourism on the scale of impact of international sporting events. While most research participants in the current literature were sports fans, this study addressed the topic from the perspective of active participants of the event (e.g. athletes). The paper presents the results of empirical research, case study – European Junior Swimming Championships.
Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 2016
Celem artykułu jest określenie potencjału turystyki eventów sportowych w Poznaniu. W pracy dokona... more Celem artykułu jest określenie potencjału turystyki eventów sportowych w Poznaniu. W pracy dokonano analizy imprez sportowych, które od kilku lat odbywają się w Poznaniu (cyklicznie lub niecyklicznie). Scharakteryzowano również ich wymiar społeczno-kulturowy oraz wybrane wątki polityczne. Szczególny nacisk położony został na opis mega-wydarzenia sportowego, które miało miejsce w stolicy Wielkopolski w 2012 roku – turnieju UEFA EURO 2012. = The aim of this article is to determine the potential of sport event tourism in Poznan. The study analyzes sporting events, which for several years held in Poznan (cyclic or acyclic). Also they characterized their socio-cultural and political themes selected. Particular emphasis has been placed on the description of the mega-sporting event, which took place in the capital of Wielkopolska in 2012 – UEFA EURO 2012.
Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2018
Tematyka tzw. igrzysk pseudoolimpijskich jest polskiej literaturze naukowej stosunkowo mało znana... more Tematyka tzw. igrzysk pseudoolimpijskich jest polskiej literaturze naukowej stosunkowo mało znana, a o niektórych próbach wskrzeszenia olimpiad oraz ich twórcach słyszano jedynie fragmentarycznie lub wcale. Znalezienie i analiza materiałów dotyczących rzymskiej Akademii Arkadyjskiej przyniosło interesujące odkrycie, którego efektem jest niniejszy artykuł. Ma on na celu przybliżenie postaci Giovanniego Maria Crescimbeniego – jednego z założycieli Arkadii, jej pierwszego kustosza oraz głównego twórcy i organizatora specyficznego rodzaju zawodów – inspirowanych starożytnymi igrzyskami olimpijskimi – poetyckich gier olimpijskich, które były centralnym wydarzeniem kulturalnym akademii. Arkadyjskie poetyckie agony stanowią przykład dziedzictwa olimpijskiej idei pod koniec XVII i przez cały XVIII wiek.
Refleksje. Pismo naukowe studentów i doktorantów WNPiD UAM, 2016
In 1956, the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne coincided with the Hungarian Revolution, an a... more In 1956, the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne coincided with the Hungarian Revolution, an attempt of the Hungarians to free themselves from the Soviet domination, eventually suppressed by an armed intervention of the Soviet Army. During the semi-final water polo match between USSR and Hungary the players came to blows. The Hungarian Ervin Zádor was punched by a Soviet team player and his blood coloured the water in the pool red. The match ultimately ended in a victory for Hungary. The main goal of the article is to describe the conflict between Hungary and the USSR which had its tragic final in a sport match at the Melbourne Olympic Games. The 1956 Olympic Games showed to what extent political conflicts are mirrored in sport. Hungarians wanted to show they were a free nation and that they would never accept the political sway of Moscow over their country.