01
Leadership
President of the Polish Speed Skating Association since 2018, with the second and final term completed in April 2026.
Candidate for the ISU Council
Rafał Tataruch
Practical experience, international cooperation, and steady development for skating.
A campaign website presenting the work of Rafał Tataruch in sport leadership, infrastructure, education, and international cooperation.
2018
President of the Polish Speed Skating Association since 2018
20+
International ISU events organized in Poland
100+
Scientific papers published
About
A leader focused on systems, people, and long-term progress.
Rafał Tataruch is proud to be a candidate for the ISU Council. For many years his professional work has focused on building strong sport systems in Poland and internationally.
His experience combines federation leadership, academic work, coaching, infrastructure development, and cooperation with public institutions and sponsors.
Experience
Key areas of work
02
Sport development
Development of training systems for athletes, coaches, and young people, with a positive environment around skating in Poland.
03
International events
Support for the organization of more than 20 international ISU events in Poland.
04
Infrastructure
Work connected with projects in Zakopane, Warsaw Stegny, Lubin, and national ice infrastructure programs.
05
Education and research
Professor at the Opole University of Technology, author of more than 100 scientific papers, and leader of research and educational teams.
06
Federation management
Cooperation with sponsors, public institutions, coaches, officials, organizers, and volunteers.
Detailed campaign points
Since 2018 I have served as President of the Polish Speed Skating Association. I completed my second and final term in April 2026.
During these years, we transformed Polish skating into a strong and reliable international partner. Our key achievements include:
We also launched major infrastructure projects, including a new speed skating track in Zakopane, the modernization of the Stegny track in Warsaw, upgrades of local facilities such as Lubin and national programs supporting the development of ice infrastructure.
- many medals at World Cups and World Championships
- organization of more than 20 international ISU events in Poland
- development of training systems for athletes, coaches and youth
- strong cooperation with sponsors and public institutions
- building a positive environment around skating in Poland
My goal as an ISU Council member is to support the global development of skating, especially in countries with growing skating potential. Poland's experience shows that long-term development is possible with the right strategy, cooperation and investment.
My priorities include:
I believe that federations which consistently invest in infrastructure, athletes and international cooperation should play an active role in shaping the future direction of skating within the ISU.
- improving communication and cooperation between the ISU Council and national federations, including coaches, officials and key people working within each federation
- strengthening ISU Development programs and international training centres such as Zakopane
- bringing ISU competitions to new countries and regions
- supporting children's and youth skating programs
- sharing practical development models with emerging skating nations
- supporting the education and development of coaches, officials, referees, technical staff, and local organizers
I am a professor at the Opole University of Technology. I have published more than 100 scientific papers, created academic study programs and led research and educational teams.
I also worked as a national athletics coach and my athletes won medals in Poland and internationally. This experience allows me to understand sport from both scientific and practical perspectives.
One of my greatest strengths is building effective and motivated teams. This approach helped us achieve success in Polish skating through cooperation, trust and a shared vision.
I initiated discussions with CISM (International Military Sports Council) President Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho regarding the inclusion of speed skating and short track in international military sport structures.
Today, there is a real opportunity to introduce these disciplines into future military competitions, with the Polish Army ready to support the organization of the first Military World Championships.
I see this as an important opportunity for the global development of skating and for creating new pathways for athletes to combine sport and public service.
I am an open-minded and active person who enjoys challenges and long-term projects. I am especially motivated by situations where it is necessary to build new systems and create development opportunities from the beginning.
One of my most important qualities is listening, especially to the people working behind the scenes: coaches, organizers, referees, physiotherapists, technicians, and volunteers. Their experience and knowledge are essential for the success of our sport.
I regularly work in English during international meetings, presentations, and events, and I continuously improve my communication skills to work even more effectively in the international environment.
I would like to be an active and responsible member of the ISU Council because I strongly believe in teamwork, long-term development and international cooperation.
I believe I can bring practical experience, energy and a development-oriented perspective to the future work of the ISU.
Skating has no borders, not geographic, organizational or cultural. Together, we can continue building a strong, balanced and sustainable future for athletes, coaches, federations and future generations.
Thank you for your trust. Rafał Tataruch
Vision for ISU
A stronger future through cooperation
The campaign vision focuses on practical development, clear communication, and stronger support for federations with growing skating potential.
01
Support growing federations
Share practical development models and help countries with skating potential build stable long-term programs.
02
Improve communication
Strengthen cooperation between the ISU Council and national federations, including coaches, officials, and key staff.
03
Develop infrastructure
Use experience from Poland to support investment in ice infrastructure and training centers such as Zakopane.
04
Bring events to new regions
Open more paths for ISU competitions in new countries and regions.
05
Educate sport people
Support coaches, officials, referees, technical staff, and local organizers.
06
Build together
Create a balanced and sustainable future for athletes, coaches, federations, and future generations.
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