The Polish ski jumping team’s performance at the recent Olympic mixed team event has sparked a national conversation, not about a lack of effort from the athletes, but about systemic failures within the Polish Ski Association (PZN) and a historical underinvestment in women’s ski jumping. Finishing 11th out of 12 teams was, according to Polish media, a “catastrophe,” particularly given the potential for a medal with a strong competitor like Kacper Tomasiak on the team.
A Missed Opportunity, Years in the Making
Four years ago in Beijing, Poland had a chance at a medal in the mixed team event. A chaotic competition, marked by disqualifications of several top teams, presented an opportunity. However, a slightly better performance from the Polish women’s team would have been needed to secure a bronze. That chance slipped away, with Canada ultimately taking the medal. While a medal in Predazzo this year wasn’t necessarily realistic, the presence of Tomasiak suggested a potential for a strong showing, and perhaps another medal for the team.
The failure to capitalize on that potential, however, stemmed from the weaker performance of the Polish women. Despite recent improvements in Polish women’s ski jumping, the team remains significantly behind the leading nations. This isn’t a matter of individual athlete failings, but a consequence of years of neglect and inadequate support.
The PZN swiftly condemned the online harassment directed towards Pola Bełtowska following the competition, a move widely praised. However, the statement too highlighted a deeper issue: the presence of individuals within the PZN responsible for the current state of women’s ski jumping. A deeper investigation promises to reveal the names of those responsible and the circumstances that led to this situation.
Małysz’s Past Comments Revisited
Adam Małysz, a Polish ski jumping legend, recently expressed regret over past comments questioning the place of women in the sport. In a previous interview with “Super Express,” Małysz suggested that women might be better suited to disciplines like the long jump, which he felt aligned more with “feminine aesthetics.” He has since walked back those comments, acknowledging that times have changed and that women deserve equal opportunities in all sports. “I probably wouldn’t repeat those words today,” Małysz stated in a recent interview with SkokiPolska.pl. “I was a young man expressing my opinion. Today, everything has moved forward, there is equality, and women participate in practically everything.”
While Małysz doesn’t take sole responsibility for the current situation, his past statements haven’t helped.
Fifteen Years of Lost Ground
The history of women’s ski jumping in Poland is marked by a unhurried start and a lack of consistent support. In 2009, at the World Championships in Liberec, women’s ski jumping was still considered a fringe discipline. While the event signaled a potential for growth, the PZN, under the leadership of Apoloniusz Tajner, initially approached it with skepticism. The first Women’s World Cup season began in 2011, and women’s ski jumping was added to the Olympic program for the 2014 Sochi Games. However, Poland was not yet competitive.
Poland debuted in the mixed team event at Lillehammer in 2013, but the team finished last. While this was a starting point, it was clear that Poland was significantly behind the leading nations. The gap, experts estimate, was between two and four years. Crucially, the PZN didn’t aggressively pursue closing that gap.
Under Tajner’s leadership, women’s ski jumping was often treated as an afterthought. There was a lack of investment, a reluctance to send athletes to major competitions, and a general sense that the discipline wouldn’t amount to much. This attitude persisted even after promising young athletes like Kinga Rajda, Magda Pałasz, and Anna Twardosz began to emerge.
A Pattern of Neglect and Missed Opportunities
The situation was further complicated by a series of questionable decisions. In 2017, the PZN declined to send athletes to the World Championships in Lahti, citing a need to “strengthen the girls mentally” and focus on weight loss. This decision was widely criticized, as it deprived Polish athletes of valuable experience and hindered their development. There were even instances where club presidents had to offer to personally fund their athletes’ participation in competitions due to a lack of PZN support.
The lack of progress was starkly illustrated during a recent broadcast on Sport.pl Studio Cortina, where commentator Łukasz Jachimiak pointed out the years of neglect. Tajner, present in the studio, remained silent, a telling moment that underscored the PZN’s responsibility for the current situation.
The appointment of Łukasz Kruczek as head coach in 2023, despite concerns about his suitability, further exacerbated the problems. His tenure was marked by internal conflicts and a lack of clear direction. His successor, Szczepan Kupczak, also struggled to unite the team and build a cohesive program.
A Glimmer of Hope?
The recent appointment of Harald Rodlauer, a former Austrian coach with a proven track record, offered a glimmer of hope. However, Rodlauer’s tenure was short-lived, as he left after just one year, citing concerns about the internal dynamics within the PZN and a more attractive offer from Italy.
Currently, Marcin Bachleda and Stefan Hula are leading the Polish women’s team, a pairing affectionately known as “Bolek and Lolek.” Their approach is focused on collaboration and prioritizing the needs of the athletes. The recent success of Anna Twardosz, who finished tenth at the Olympics, is a testament to their efforts.
However, the challenges remain significant. The gap between Poland and the leading nations is still substantial, and the pipeline of young talent is limited. The PZN needs to address the systemic issues that have plagued women’s ski jumping for years, including a lack of investment, inadequate coaching, and a culture of neglect.
While Twardosz’s success is encouraging, it’s not enough to mask the underlying problems. The PZN must learn from its past mistakes and create a sustainable program that supports the development of women’s ski jumping in Poland. Only then can Poland hope to compete with the best in the world.
