Famous People with Name Jan

Jan Graczyk            Origin/Culture/Country: Polish

Jan Graczyk: was a Polish sculptor, and the creator of Forest Gallery of Sculpture (Lesna Galeria Rzezby).He spent his childhood in Czechowice, which has been later transformed into a district of Warsaw (Ursus). There, he attended Szkola Powszechna (which is the equivalent of the elementary school) in Czechowice between 1935 and 1942, simultaneously joining the ‘207th Mazovian Scout Movement’. Several years later he joined Grey Ranks (Zawiszacy troop), made a military pledge, and became a soldier of the underground polish resistance movement called Union for Armed Struggle, Obroza group.

Jan Borukowski            Origin/Culture/Country: Polish

Jan Borukowski: was the Bishop of Przemysl, and was the royal secretary of Poland from 1553. In 1569, he signed the act of annexation of Podlasie, Volhynia and Kiev to the kingdom during Sejm in Lublin.

Jan Cieplak            Origin/Culture/Country: Polish

Jan Cieplak: was a Polish Roman Catholic priest and bishop.During the reign of Nicholas II of Russia, Bishop Cieplak was under surveillance by the Okhrana, which suspected him of Polish nationalism. In 1919 he was named the titular bishop of Ohrid. As the highest ranking representative of Roman Catholic Church in the new Soviet Union he was often harassed and persecuted. The Archbishop was arrested twice by the CHEKA, but was released amidst massive protests by the Catholics of Petrograd. At the same time, he was also instrumental in arranging for the relics of Saint Andrew Bobola to be permanently tranferred from the Soviet Union to Rome. Otherwise, the Archbishop was certain that the remains of the Saint would have been subjected to desecration.

Jan Nortje            Origin/Culture/Country: African

Jan Nortje: is a South African K-1 kickboxer, professional mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer[2] who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Jan has fought the likes of Mirko Cro Cop, Jérôme Le Banner, Gary Goodridge, and K-1 Champions Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, and Semmy Schilt. His last fight was a loss against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at DREAM.9.

Jan Preuyt            Origin/Culture/Country: African

Jan Preuyt: was the chairman of the South African Schools Rugby Association for 25 years. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Craven Week rugby tournament.[2]While studying at Stellenbosch University he came under the watchful eye of his mentor and coach Danie Craven. He played for Griqualand and was a Junior Springbok in the early 1950s. Local clubs Cambridge and Buffaloes later had his services in their teams.He taught at the East London Technical College from 1956 and ended his teaching career as Deputy Principal of Port Rex Technical High School in 1987. He started rugby at the Tech in 1956 and coached the first team until he retired 31 years later.