Poland’s athletes have been greeted by cheering fans at Warsaw’s Okęcie airport, despite delivering their worst Olympics performance since 1956.
Team PL arrived back in Poland on Monday after managing to scrape together a total of 10 medals, including one gold, at the Paris Olympics, to leave it in 42nd place on the medal table, its lowest position ever.
But putting a brave face on the situation, 20-year-old boxer Julia Szeremeta, who won silver – the first silver medal for Polish boxing in 44 years – told waiting fans: “Thank you for such a large reception at the airport.
“I am very happy that you kept your fingers crossed for us. I flew there for a medal and that's what I did. I wanted more, because I wanted gold.”
She said she had cried “tears of happiness, but also of defeat. I thought that I would manage to bring gold to Poland.
“Something was missing, maybe a bit of luck.”
In reference to the 2028 Summer Olympics, she added: “I’ll make gold in Los Angeles.”
The crowd, which had been cramming into the airport since noon, responded by chanting “You’re golden” and “We love you”.
Poland’s volleyball team, which also took silver, was greeted with crowds singing: “Poland, white and reds”.
Team captain Bartosz Kurek responded by telling the crowd: “You are fantastic, it is a pure pleasure to play for you, it is an honor.
“We fulfilled our, and I hope your, little dream to see the team on the Olympic podium.”
Also greeting the returning athletes were former Olympic swimmer and vice-president of the Polish Olympic Committee Otylia Jędrzejczak.
She told the athletes: “As an Olympic medalist, I welcome you to the family of Olympic medalists.
“Congratulations and I am proud to be able to do this. Sport teaches you how to win, teaches you how to lose, shows you that you can't give up.
“You showed it in every match, and Julia in every fight. We are proud of you and thank you for all the emotions you provide. Welcome home.”
Poland’s only gold medal winner is Aleksandra Mirosław, who won the speed climbing competition with a new world record time.
She returned to the country on Saturday night on board the Polish president’s private jet.
But putting a brave face on the situation, 20-year-old boxer Julia Szeremeta, who won silver – the first silver medal for Polish boxing in 44 years – told waiting fans: “Thank you for such a large reception at the airport.
“I am very happy that you kept your fingers crossed for us. I flew there for a medal and that's what I did. I wanted more, because I wanted gold.”
She said she had cried “tears of happiness, but also of defeat. I thought that I would manage to bring gold to Poland.
“Something was missing, maybe a bit of luck.”
In reference to the 2028 Summer Olympics, she added: “I’ll make gold in Los Angeles.”
The crowd, which had been cramming into the airport since noon, responded by chanting “You’re golden” and “We love you”.
Poland’s volleyball team, which also took silver, was greeted with crowds singing: “Poland, white and reds”.
Team captain Bartosz Kurek responded by telling the crowd: “You are fantastic, it is a pure pleasure to play for you, it is an honor.
“We fulfilled our, and I hope your, little dream to see the team on the Olympic podium.”
Also greeting the returning athletes were former Olympic swimmer and vice-president of the Polish Olympic Committee Otylia Jędrzejczak.
She told the athletes: “As an Olympic medalist, I welcome you to the family of Olympic medalists.
“Congratulations and I am proud to be able to do this. Sport teaches you how to win, teaches you how to lose, shows you that you can't give up.
“You showed it in every match, and Julia in every fight. We are proud of you and thank you for all the emotions you provide. Welcome home.”
Poland’s only gold medal winner is Aleksandra Mirosław, who won the speed climbing competition with a new world record time.
She returned to the country on Saturday night on board the Polish president’s private jet.
Source: interia/sportowefakty/Fakt
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