Sukcesy w niechcianych zawodach. Udział polskich sportowców w Mistrzostwach Świata Par na żużlu (1971–1981)

The article analyzes the participation of Polish athletes in the World Speedway Pair Championships (1971 –1981). The article is located on the border between the history of sport and biography (collective portrait). Not only the conditions of purely sports rivalry were taken into account, but also the influence of ideology, pressure of the communist party and national/industry sports associations (e.g. PZM/Polish Motor Association and GKSŻ/Main Speedway Sport Commission). A collective portrait of Polish athletes was also drawn, exposing the most outstanding figures, such as Andrzej Wyględa, Paweł Waloszek, Antoni Woryna, Jerzy Szczakiel, Edward Jancarz and Zenon Plech. The article is based on sources (sports and daily/party press) and subject literature. Research methods specific to historical sciences were used.