Announcing the news, the governing body paid tribute to the three-time Polish vice-champion at senior level.

During his sporting career Pieronkiewicz saw competition in both the 100 and 130 kilogram divisions, with the Katowice native enjoying a highly successful spell in youth competition.

He earned 15 Polish youth titles and finished fourth at the World Junior Championships on two occasions, as well as narrowly missing the podium at the European Junior Championships.

After the conclusion of his sporting career, Pieronkiewicz continued to have an influence on the sport by becoming a member of his home organisation. 

He was elected a member of the Board from 2004 to 2008, which came following a period as the vice-president of the Silesian Association of Wrestling.

Pieronkiewicz then became a vice-president of the Polish Wrestling Federation in 2008, before becoming the President in November 2012.

He was praised by the federation for his well-organised work and efforts to attract sponsors.

The Polish Wrestling Federation said they had suffered a "great loss".

A tribute was also paid to the official by the sport’s governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW).

"The Polish Wrestling Federation has informed United World Wrestling that their President Mr Grzegorz Pieronkiewicz has passed away," a UWW statement read.

"The 41-year-old was a Greco-Roman wrestler who enjoyed an excellent reputation with coaches and athletes.

"United World Wrestling extends its condolences to the Polish wrestling community and to the friends and family of Mr. Pieronkiewicz."