Who is Adam Malysz

What a fantastic return to glory by the most popular Polish athlete, the pride of Polish nation, the Eagle - Adam Malysz!

When I was watching the TV transmission of the event I noticed how calm Malysz was. It was obvious that the younger rivals - especially the Austrians - were afraid of him and looked at him with respect. Respect that he rightly deserves after unprecedented 4 World Cup wins, including 3 consecutive ones! And he also had already two Olympic medals - silver and bronze from Salt Lake City (2002).

But despite getting older and not having too many World Cup podium appearances in last few years, Malysz was quietly working on his form and style to show his class again in Whistler. And he did it! He wasn't able to win with Simon Amman, the other great champion of last decade. He's never been "flashy", but he's always been efffective. In fact, it was him who took the highest honors from Malysz in Salt Lake City where Malysz was the favorite. This year the favorite was Amman and he won decisively. Nobody was able to threaten Amman on the normal hill in Whistler; he had the longest jumps in both rounds.

But despite the pressure put on Malysz by the whole Poland, he showed again what great champion he is and he easily won with much younger line of Austrian jumpers. Once more Adam Malysz delivered the goods; once again he didn't fail, but showed how great he is and that hard work always pays off. Bravo Adam!

[Photo source: Kuba Atys/Agencja Gazeta/Sport.pl]

• he's one of the best athletes in the world
  
• he's a national hero in Poland
  
• he's a great role model for young people