Polish Athletes at the Winter Olympics: Czerwonka’s Last Games & More

MILAN & CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – As the February 6th opening ceremony signaled the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Poland’s delegation is making its mark, both on and off the ice. Speed skater Natalia Czerwonka and ski-jump champion Kamil Stoch carried the Polish flag during the opening ceremony, a symbolic moment for a team of 59 athletes competing across 12 sports.

Czerwonka’s Last Games and Unique Role

For Czerwonka, these Games represent a poignant farewell. Having regularly competed since 2010, she acknowledges this will likely be her last Olympic appearance. What sets Czerwonka apart, however, extends beyond her athletic achievements. She uniquely balances her role as an Olympic athlete with the responsibility of leading her own speed skating club, handling its organization and development. “I think I am the only athlete who runs her own sports club, also taking care of its organization,” Czerwonka stated. She stepped away from her club’s day-to-day operations during the intensive two-year preparation period but looks forward to returning to nurture the next generation of Polish speed skaters. “I am happy that so many children want to train with me. We are in a good time for Polish speed skating, we must take advantage of it and attract more young people to practice this sport.”

Czerwonka’s previous Olympic success came at the 2014 Sochi Games, where she secured a silver medal in the team pursuit alongside Katarzyna Bachleda-Curuś, Katarzyna Woźniak, and Luiza Złotkowska. At these Games, she finished 15th in the 1000m event, and hopes for a stronger performance in longer distance races.

Maliszewska Returns to the Ice

Also representing Poland in speed skating is Natalia Maliszewska, a decorated short track skater with multiple World Championship medals, including two on the 500m. While her prospects for a medal in the 1500m appear challenging, Maliszewska expressed contentment simply with the opportunity to compete. “There it starts much slower, so there is a moment to take a few breaths, wonder what is happening in front, who is overtaking. I will definitely drive and observe if there is something that can be used. Driving in front on 1500 and just the thought that I have to complete 13 and a half laps scares me a bit,” she said after finishing 22nd in the 1000m. She also placed 17th in the 500m.

Polish Women Compete in Bobsleigh

Today also marks the start of competition for the Polish women’s bobsleigh team, with Klaudia Adamek and Linda Weiszewski set to begin their two-run competition.

Beyond the Polish contingent, the day’s schedule includes the men’s 15km biathlon mass start, where France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet is considered a strong contender for gold. Finals are scheduled in short track (men’s relay), freestyle skiing (women’s ski cross), and snowboarding (men’s big air and halfpipe).

A 66-Year Curse for the Americans

The men’s hockey semi-finals promise excitement, with Canada facing Slovakia. However, the matchup between the United States and Sweden carries a significant historical weight. The Americans haven’t defeated Sweden at the Olympics in 66 years, their last victory coming at the 1960 Winter Games. Despite this lengthy losing streak – six losses and two draws – the U.S. Team, bolstered by NHL stars, is considered the favorite to advance to the final and potentially challenge Canada for the gold medal.

The Polish team, with 28 men and 31 women, will continue to compete throughout the Games, hoping to add to their medal count, which currently stands at zero gold, three silver, and one bronze, ranking them 20th overall.