Olympic Medalist Speaks Out in Polish On Camera: CEO Responds
On February 9, 2026, Kacper Tomasiak achieved a historic moment for Polish ski jumping by winning a silver medal in the normal hill event at the Olympic Games. His victory is noted as one of the most surprising outcomes in the sport’s history.
Unprecedented Olympic Podium
Interestingly, the podium features an unusual mix of athletes. The gold medal was awarded to Philipp Raimund, who previously had no World Cup wins. The bronze medal was shared between two competitors: Ren Nikaido and Gregor Deschwanden. This marks the first instance since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics where two athletes tied for a single podium spot in an Olympic jumping event.
Outrageous Olympic Surprises
- Gold: Philipp Raimund – No previous World Cup victories.
- Silver: Kacper Tomasiak – Polish ski jumper’s first Olympic medal.
- Bronze: Shared between Ren Nikaido and Gregor Deschwanden.
Previously, both Hirokazu Yagi and Manfred Deckert shared a silver medal in 1980 under similar circumstances.
Gregor Deschwanden’s Remarkable Moment
Gregor Deschwanden’s presence on the podium was particularly notable due to his recent struggles in competition. Just before the Olympics, Deschwanden failed to qualify for the second series in two World Cup events in Willingen. His joyful surprise was amplified by recognition of his Polish roots; his partner, Maria Grzywa, hails from Brzeszcze, near Oświęcim, Poland.
Speaking Polish on the Big Stage
After securing his medal, Deschwanden approached reporters from Eurosport. In a charming display of sportsmanship, he chose to speak in Polish, stating: “Jest super. Dobre skoki dzisiaj. Mam medal. Lubię!” (It’s great. Good jumps today. I have a medal. I like it!). His emotional response highlighted the significance of this Olympic achievement.
Deschwanden’s Insights on the Competition
When asked about his performance, Deschwanden expressed a mix of exhilaration and disbelief. He noted, “I didn’t even bring my Swiss Olympic jacket, thinking I was far from medal contention.” He described his jumps as the best of the season, emphasized that external factors influenced his standing, and reflected on the competitive pressure he felt during the event.
The Aftermath of Victory
Finally, he conveyed excitement about celebrating with Maria once he finds her post-competition, showcasing the personal connections that enrich the Olympic experience. Deschwanden’s journey to the podium, alongside the unforgettable performances of his fellow competitors, will surely leave a lasting mark on Olympic history.
