Swindion stunned by Kurmanski suicide.

Swindon Speedway has been rocked by the tragic news from Poland that recent signing Rafal Kurmanski has apparently taken his own life. The full details of the tragedy are sketchy, but a clearly devasted promoter Alun Rossiter commented: "I just cannot believe what has happened, as Rafal was so happy when he departed for home on Friday morning."

"He had a ready smile and he came across as a really nice lad in the short space of time that I had known him. We have already had a number of problems to overcome this
season, but this sad news really puts everything into perspective. Everyone connected with the club sends their heartfelt condolences to Rafal's family and friends back home in Poland."

The talented youngster had only recently joined Swindon, making his debut at Poole on 12 May. The Blunsdon regulars had seen him in action on just two occasions and he had impressed both times, scoring 5+1 versus Poole on
13 May and 7 points against Eastbourne last Thursday.

Ironically, BBC Radio Swindon presenter Richard Crowley had interviewed Rafal for his scheduled programme article for this week's upcoming home match versus Wolverhampton on Thursday. Rafal spoke very little English and the interview was conducted with the help of fellow Pole Grzegorz Walasek of Arena-Essex.

It is not inappropriate to quote Rafal's words here as he was clearly happy to be with the Pebley Beach Robins. He said: "I was keen to come to England to further my career. At one stage I thought it would be with Coventry, but at the same time Swindon came in and now I'm here. I've been riding well in Poland for Zielona Gora and I think it's the right time for me to come to England. I'm happy with my
form so far, but it will take a few weeks to get used to the track and get everything fully set up for speedway in England."

Obviously ambitious, Rafal continued: "Although I've only ridden a few meetings here, I hope that I can get up to a seven-point average by the end of the year. I knew Leigh Adams before I signed for Swindon and it's great to be in the same team as him. Hopefully, racing alongside Leigh in
England will help me become a better rider."

Kurmanski made his one and only Grand Prix appearance as a wild card in last season's European GP, the first of nine rounds, finishing 19th. He rode for Polish Extra League club Zielona Gora where his team-mates included former World Champion Billy Hamill. He was third in the 2001
European Junior (Under 19) Championship and was the 2001 Polish Junior Pairs Champion with Zielona Gora team-mate and 2001 World Under 21 Champion David Kujawa.

He made his debut for Swindon at Poole on May 12, and was due to appear for the Robins at Coventry on Monday. He left a lot of happy memories with those lucky enough to have met him or seen him in action during his all too brief time with the club. May he Rest In Peace.