Relay race

"Sztafeta" (The Relay) is a figurative sculpture by Adam Roman, located near the Washington Roundabout in Warsaw, at the entrance to the National Stadium. It depicts three naked runners, including two in the act of passing a baton. The work was inspired by pieces such as François Rude's relief "La Marseillaise" and motifs from Greek vases. Initially, the sculpture was planned to feature only two runners, but the artist decided to add a third figure. It was originally intended to be placed in the Central Park of Culture in Powiśle, but due to the intervention of Professor Jerzy Hryniewiecki, the location was changed. The work was completed in a hurry to meet the stadium's inauguration deadline, resulting in a model made of concrete on a steel frame, standing about 2 meters tall. It was unveiled on July 22, 1955. Plans to replace it with a bronze cast after the 5th World Festival of Youth and Students were abandoned. However, the sculpture soon began to deteriorate due to the impermanent material. Based on a proposal from the Kamionek District Council and the opinion of the capital's conservator of monuments, a decision was made to renovate the sculpture in 2008. The renovation, carried out by Jacek Nowicki, cost 50,000 PLN. In 2010, a project emerged to replace "Sztafeta" with a bronze cast, gaining support from the National Museum in Warsaw and the Interuniversity Institute for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art. In 2011, an exhibition titled "Adam Roman – The Time of the Relay" was held at the Olympic Center with the artist himself in attendance, aiming to attract sponsors for the project, estimated to cost 400,000–800,000 PLN. The work also received a commemorative tribute—on August 23, 2013, a granite plaque designed by Ryszard Stryjecki was placed on the pedestal in honor of Adam Roman. The sculpture "Sztafeta" is not only an important work of art but also a significant element of Warsaw's culture and history, reflecting the engagement of artists in social and sporting life.