In his youth, Władysław Dobrowolski was active in the Polish independence movement and fought in the Polish-Russian war (1919-21). In 1924 he graduated from an officer’s course in physical education and participated in Paris as a track and field athlete in the 100 m in Paris, but was eliminated in the heats. He won 11 Polish Championships in various track and field events. It was not until the age of 35 that he began serious fencing training. At the unofficial World Championships in 1934, Dobrowolski won a team bronze medal. In September 1939 he took part in the Polish Defense against the Germans. As an officer, he was a sports instructor and manager after the war. In 1957, he became the first president of the Polish Luge Federation and was the author of many sports books. He was the father of Jerzy Dobrowolski, a satirist, playwright, actor and director.

Personal Best: 100 – 11.0 (1926).