What is your role as Mayor of the Athletes’ Village?
I’m going to use all my life experience in Olympic sport and my local connections, since I used to live and train in Kraków, to be the best host of the Village and make sure the athletes feel at home. My main mission is to bring people together, and to create an atmosphere where the athletes feel more like neighbours than rivals.
What, in your experience as an athlete, makes a good Athletes’ Village?
For me, a good Village is one where the athletes start to feel at home within the first 24 hours. As an athlete, you always want to identify your corner in the dining hall, the spaces where you can sit in the shade and socialize with your friends.
Of course, it needs to be an environment where the athletes are able to concentrate and prepare properly for their competitions. But a good Village is also open to the world and a place where people can meet and discover new cultures – and celebrate together, win or lose.
There is a lot of athlete thinking that has gone into planning this Village in Kraków, since the President of the Organising Committee Marcin Nowak is also a former teammate of mine from the Olympic Games!
What do you think the athletes will enjoy most about this Village in Kraków?
The interesting thing about this Village is its history, since it is normally student accommodation. There is a real spirit of young people in this place. In terms of the highlights, there are a lot of green spaces, chill-out areas and a central stage for concerts and entertainment. This is where people will come together for socializing and e-gaming, for example. What is also fantastic is the location of the Village, next to many parks and green areas, and within walking distance of the Kraków Old Town. Even if you are not a race walker, it is just five minutes’ walk to the centre! In my experience, it is one of the best environments for athletes I have ever seen.
What message do you have for the athletes arriving in Poland for these Games?
Be brave! Be focused on your competition, of course! But also be open to the cultural experience here in the heart of the Malopolska region, in one of the world’s great medieval cities, which is so full of history. I always used to approach my competitions in a holistic way, like this. It is an extraordinary chance to connect with the local community – and fall in love with a different culture.
