Thousands of fans, a sea of white and red flags and banners and loud din were the things that always made the ski jumping World Cup in Poland a memorable event. These were things that attracted not only crowds, but also athletes, to visit Zakopane and feel the enthusiastic atmosphere, which accompanied the competitions at the hill and around it.
The main reason of this unique feel was Polish ski jumper Adam Malysz, the four-times World Cup leader, the winner of four golds in the World Championships and the holder of four Olympic medals. Małysz, as one of the greatest athletes in the history of his sport, with his success gave people a possibility for gathering together and celebrating.
Now, when his ski jumping career came to the end and he took off-road racing as his new hobby, everyone was wondering if the competitions in Poland will remain the same.
Last year’s World Cup in Zakopane with Malysz’s absence proved all the pessimists wrong when it became a success again. Obviously the crowds were not as massive as during the competitions with Polish star’s presence, but still the cheers and the atmosphere led Polish Kamil Stoch to victory.
To find out more about the atmosphere and what fans, ski jumpers and organizers thought about last year’s event, have a listen to my radio feature about Zakopane.
Polish good organizational skills were appreciated by the International Ski Federation (the FIS), which gave the country more possibilities for showing their ski jumping spirit this winter. Apart from the two usual events taking place in Zakopane this weekend, another competition in Wisla was added to the World Cup calendar. Previously the city hosted Summer Grand Prix competitions but today’s winter event will create another part of the ski jumping history. Let’s see how it goes!
