The Champion of Auschwitz — Poland
Tadeusz 'Teddy' Pietrzykowski, a Polish boxing champion, survives Auschwitz by defeating SS guards and German prisoners in organised fights — each win buying survival in the camp's brutal hierarchy.
Tadeusz Pietrzykowski arrived at Auschwitz on the very first prisoner transport in June 1940. He won approximately 40 boxing matches in the camp, never losing. Winning provided better food rations and reduced the risk of being selected for execution. He was later transferred to other camps and survived. He lived until 1991 and never sought fame for his story.