A dream in danger
“It is my dream to compete in the World Cup before Polish audience, but I will not force anything. I will not agree to any steep climbs and breakneck descents,” says Justyna Kowalczyk.
Unfortunately, she is referring to the World Cup cross country skiing competition that is to be held in mid February 2012 in Szklarska Poręba. Indeed, it has been revealed some time ago that the organisers are not envisaging “traditional” runs but rather a combination of cross country and Alpine skiing competitions. The contestants would climb the slope intended for downhill skiers up to the Szrenica mountain peak, and then descend the slope to reach the finish line. The contest has already been called World Uphill Trophy. But it certainly does not match the preferences of Justyna Kowalczyk.
“I’m not boycotting the Polish contest. On the contrary, I would very much like to take part in it,” clearly underlines the contestant, but she also adds that “But for me it’s important to perform to the best of my ability before my supporters. I want to compete for the top ranks and not to struggle to finish the race on thirtieth or fortieth place, which would be the most probable outcome. And that, of course, if I won’t have a fall along the way.”
Coach Aleksander Wierietielny also has an opinion on the situation concerning the World Cup in Poland.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that Justyna Kowalczyk is Polish and is honoured for her accomplishments, we would never get to organise a World Cup contest,” stresses the Olympic champion’s coach, “Thus, I’m even more surprised that the organisers want to hold a race that is so against Justyna’s preferences. The practice applied all over the world is that a country organises a competition that will favour its top athlete. The Slovenian contest in Rogla is a classical event because this is Petra Majdic’s style of choice. In France, the La Clusaz event is designed as a long, freestyle run so that it suits Vittoz, who specialises in skate skiing. But of course here, we have to do everything our way, without as little as seeking advice on the matter from Justyna Kowalczyk or from people who actually do know something about cross country skiing. I would like to state clearly that if this competition involves a climb up the Szrenica mountain peak and a descent and I’m still Justyna’s coach, she will not participate.”
The final decision on the character of the World Cup competition in Szklarska Poręba will be made at the end of May or at the beginning of June when the FIS Calendar Conferences will be held in Portoroz, Slovenia. At an earlier time, the organisers of the contest will meet with the representatives of the Polish Ski Association and of the International Ski Federation, who will decide what types of competitions could take place in Poland. They are aware of Justyna Kowalczyk’s point of view.
“A ten kilometre classical, and a sprint on the second day. That would be the best and the most feasible scenario,” says the contestant.
