Ski-jumpers 'source of joy and pride' says President

From left: Chairman of Polish Skiing Association Apoloniusz Tajner, coach Lukasz Kruczek, President Bronisław Komorowski, Kamil Stoch, Piotr Zyła, Dawid Kubacki and Maciej Kot. PAP/Andrzej Grygiel

The sportsmen were welcomed at the presidential winter residence in Wisla, which is nestled in the Beskid Mountains of southern Poland.

“Success in ski-jumping suggests that you have to combine a passion for individuality with team work,” President Komorowski said.

Komorowski added that the team were “a source of satisfaction, joy and pride for Poles,” presenting them with silver cuff-links emblazoned with the Polish national symbol, an eagle.

Besides winning the overall team bronze medal, Poland notched up several individual successes over the season.

Kamil Stoch jumped to a bronze in the individual World Championship ski jumping rankings, emerging as a promising successor to the now retired World and Olympic champion Adam Malysz, who won a string of medals for Poland over a long career.

Meanwhile, Piotr Zyla managed to stand on the podium three times in individual classifications during the tournament, including one outright win.

Coach Lukasz Kruczek told PAP that “we will do everything in our” to build on recent successes, not least with the 2014 Winter Olympics due to be held next February in Sochi, Russia. (nh/pg)

source: PAP