– I've so far obtained the initial qualification, but I'm 99 percent sure, nothing will change – Marek says. – The official appointment will take place in about a month.

Our student obtained a promotion to the Olympics thanks to a strong start in the World Cup. His third place in the competition in Stavanger was particularly significant (and unexpected).

- It came as a great surprise to me - says Marek. - When I arrived at Stavanger, I was ecstatic to be placed in Group A (among the world's top 20 contestants) and I wanted to do everything I could to stay there. The World Cup medal seemed beyond my reach. When I saw the scoreboard after the race was over, I couldn't believe it. I proved that I am able to compete with the world's best.

The start in Beijing will be our student's Olympic debut. A debut that was even difficult to predict a year ago. Marek wanted to end his speed skating career at the time so he could focus on his other sporting passion, roller skating. However, strong performances in the Polish championships led to invitations to national team trainings and, this season, to the national team selection. The effects came so quickly that Marek was acclaimed as a revelation.

– Until recently, participating in the Olympics seemed quite abstract to me - admits our student. - However, with every next competition, I became more confident that I could do it. I’m really satisfied with how the first part of the season went, and I believe I gave it my all. Numerous messages and comments from friends and others inspired me greatly. I'm glad that people who haven't heard of this discipline before are now more familiar with it. Now that I'm concentrating on the Olympics, I'll try to correct some minor mistakes I made during the World Cup competition until the Tournament begins in Beijing.

The Olympic Games will take place between February 4 and February 20, 2022.