Marek Karbarz – construction engineer, coach, member of the ‘Golden Volleyball Team’, World Champion (1974) and Olympic gold medallist (1976).

Kariera sportowa

Marek Karbarz played volleyball for Stal Stalowa Wola, Resovia and Hutnik Kraków (1966−1984). His most significant achievements in the club league were with Resovia, and included four Polish Champion titles (1971, 1972, 1974 and 1975), three runner-up positions in 1973 (Resovia), 1978, 1979 (Hutnik), two bronze medals at Polish Championship of 1970 and 1977, Polish Cup (1975) and appearance in the final round of the CEV Volleyball Champions League 1972/73 and CEV Cup Winners’ Cup of 1973/74, where his team took second and third places, respectively. He was named the best league player in 1978 by the Przegląd Sportowy daily.

Drafted to the national team 218 times in 1969−1979, he contributed to its memorable performances in Mexico and Montreal. Known for his flawless tandem attacks, he was also a proficient and effective blocker. Marek Karbarz won the World Champion title in Mexico (1974) and the gold medal for his performance at the Montreal Olympic Games (1976). He also earned a silver medal at the European Championship in Helsinki (1977) and participated in the final round of the European Championship in Milan (1971), securing 6th place.

Coaching career

Following the end of his run with the national team, he played for the French team Arago Sete and worked as a coach in France in 1980−1998 (Bordeaux, St. Nazaire and Martiques). He returned to Poland to coach Kazimierz Płomień Sosnowiec and Resovia Rzeszów.

Awards and accolades

A Distinguished Sports Champion, he received the Golden Medal for Outstanding Sporting Performance twice and was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit.