ZMARZLIK FIFTH IN POLISH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR VOTE

Polish icon Bartosz Zmarzlik has taken fifth place in the prestigious Przeglad Sportowy Polish Athlete of the Year vote for 2024.

Zmarzlik made history last year, racing to his fifth Speedway GP World Championship, and a record-equalling third in a row - matching the hat-trick achieved by New Zealand legend Ivan Mauger between 1968 and 1970.

He also smashed Aussie icon Jason Crump’s all-time record of 23 Speedway GP victories - moving on to 26 as he topped the podium in Malilla, Riga and Torun.

Zmarzlik missed out on the top prize in the Przeglad Sportowy vote, which was won by speed climber Aleksandra Miroslaw.

Second place went to runner Natalia Bukowiecka, with volleyball star Wilfredo Leon third and tennis icon Iga Swiatek taking fourth position.

Zmarzlik launches his bid for a record-equalling Speedway GP world title No.6 at the FIM Speedway GP of Germany - Landshut on May 3.