Konrad Niedźwiedzki, former speed skater, participant in four Olympic Games, this time he will be the head of the Polish Olympic mission for the winter Olympic Games in Beijing. In an interview, he told about organizational problems that faced Polish jumpers and what else could happen to our athletes in the Chinese capital.
What does Bear feel? – Absolutely exciting. After a good start to the season, especially by skaters, we wonder how they will survive with such disposition. This also applies to other disciplines. The jumpers did not start well, surely a lot of people expect their form to be rebuilt at the Olympics – he said.
The biggest problem that Polish sportsmen faced so far was the one that affected the jumpers. It was specifically about transport. The FIS assured that after the competition in Willingen it would organize a charter to China for all competitors. Ultimately, this idea was blocked by the organizers of the games, who will not let the plane enter their country.
“The FIS behavior was unexpected”
– Indeed, it was quite unexpected, because from September it was mentioned that FIS would organize a dedicated charter for ski jumping. The jumpers were to be locked in a “bubble” and immediately after the competition in Willingen, they would fly directly to China. Last week everything was canceled – said Niedźwiedzki.
Ultimately, the Poles will first go to Frankfurt, from where they will fly to Paris, and from France directly to Beijing. – The biggest problem is the very limited possibilities of arriving to China. This can be done with a charter, which is still organized by the Polish Olympic Committee in cooperation with the Polish Airlines “LOT”. Another possibility are “Air China” connections, which are limited because they are not available in Poland. Limiting the network of connections is quite difficult. Regarding transport, unfortunately the most reliable flights are “Air China” – said Niedźwiedzki.
And he concluded: – As for other surprises, it seems to me that the organizers will not come up with any new ideas on the spot. We know what tests must be performed and when they must be performed in order to get to China. I think that every relationship after the experience of competing in international events, and the POC after the experience in Tokyo, know what they are up against, and are simply used to the restrictions.
The Beijing Olympics will run from February 4 to February 20, 2022. The schedule of the men’s ski jumping competition is as follows:
February 5
- 7:20 – qualification for the individual competition on the normal hill
February 6
- 12:00 – individual competition on the normal hill
February 11
- 12:00 – qualification for the individual competition on a large hill
February 12
- 12:00 – individual competition on a large hill
14th of February
- 12:00 – team competition on the large hill
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
