At the Olympic Center of the Polish National Olympic Club, Karolina Perz – a member of the Board of the Polish Field Hockey Association – was awarded the prestigious title of “Kentucky Colonel.” A diploma confirming the award of the title to the laureate was presented by a guest from the United States, Linjie Chou Zanadu, and the Polish Olympic Committee president, Andrzej Kraśnicki.
Karolina Perz was nominated for this title by Dr. Brian Beckham of Louisville (Kentucky), a sports and clinical psychologist. Following the recommendation of the Nominator Linjie Chou Zanadu, president of the Global Foundation for Culture and Peace (California), Dr. Beckham was asked to finalize a nomination that was approved by Andy Beshear, the 61st Governor of Kentucky, for her outstanding contributions to athletic performance and education.
The Kentucky Colonel is the highest honorary title given by the state of Kentucky – and one of many honorary titles awarded by the United States’ governors.
Karolina Perz is a graduate of the Academy of Physical Education in Poland. She was a student combining science and competitive sports; she had numerous successes as a national team representative in the Polish Gymnastic and Fitness IFBB Association. In the years 2004-2010, she was a national champion in gymnastic fitness many times. She was also appointed to represent Poland in the world championships. For many years she was a member of the national team.
She is currently finishing up her doctoral dissertation at the Department of Recreation Methodology at the University of Physical Education in Poznań. The direction of research focuses on the analysis of the phenomenon of morphological and functional lateralization in sport.
She is employed as a senior lecturer at the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań. She holds the deputy director position for teaching, and she is also a member of the Study Council. She also successfully chairs organizing committees of large sports events organized in Poland.
In the past, the title of “Kentucky Colonel” was awarded to, among others: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Princess Anna Windsor, Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, J. Edgar Hoover, Fred Astaire, George Clooney, Bing Crosby, Johnny Depp, Walt Disney, Bob Dylan, Clark Gable, Jennifer Garner, Whoopi Goldberg, Gene Hackman, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods.
Today we are having tea with Karolina and discuss her career and aspirations for the future.
What is your normal day like during this special time we are facing in the Pandemic?
I am currently conducting few courses in health management, WHO’s guidelines for athletes, and the organization for an international women’s conference. These activities make me busy and yet very fulfilling for making the Pandemic time more productive for my country.
What is the current situation like in the Polish athletic industry in general?
As a supporting member of the Polish national committee of the Olympics, I actively promote the cause of sportsmanship in field hockey, fencing, track, and field. Therefore, I see the Polish athletics need to improve its social engagement. I think youth development is crucial for the sustainability of future sportsmanship. On top of that, gender equality is another area that needs consideration in sports.
Is Poland planning to host any major international games or competitions soon?
We are planning to launch this summer the European Championship of Hockey and the international Erasmus Sport Convention. I am looking forward to being a part of such events that promote cultural exchanges through sports.
What is your advice for future young aspiring athletes?
In my opinion, talents will bring you a 40% chance of success, but the hardworking and systematic training account for the other 60%. It would be best if you had also have a holistic life balance.
