Sensational Polish Champion: Celebrated Until He Read the Comments

Klemens Joniak, the nineteen-year-old ski jumper, surprised everyone by winning the Polish championship, defeating significantly more experienced competitors. His victory, while spectacular, was not received enthusiastically by all observers.

Joniak, who has become the youngest Polish champion in ski jumping in years, is on the verge of fulfilling his dream of debuting in the World Cup. In an interview on TVP Sport, he shared his feelings about his sensational triumph in Zakopane and the unpleasant comments that accompanied it.

Some comments were quite specific, not rejoicing in the young man's victory but blaming it on the wind coefficients, or rather, the lack thereof. "I read comments saying I only won because of that," the 19-year-old athlete was surprised.

Despite the inappropriate feedback, Joniak received support from key figures in the sport. He was particularly touched that Kamil Stoch waited for him to finish all his interviews to congratulate him. "It showed that he has a lot of respect for you. He has always been my idol from the beginning," Joniak revealed.

The success in Zakopane did not significantly change Joniak's life. Although he has received more interviews and popularity, he stated, "Not much has changed after the championship; we continued with the same plan. I am satisfied with the training because I feel they have helped a lot. I definitely have more interviews now — that has changed. I also gained more confidence on the ski jump."

Klemens Joniak, focusing on the next challenges ahead, did not qualify for the World Cup in Wisła, allowing him to dedicate more time to training in Eisenerz.

This upcoming season is filled with great hopes for Joniak. "I believe it will be the best season of my career," he asserts, setting his sights set on the junior world championships in Lake Placid.