Polish fans are still excited about Daria Pikulik's unexpected silver medal in the omniumbut this is not the only success that was achieved at these games in cycling track. Mateusz Rudyk also showed his good side, finishing in the top ten in two competitions. In In the sprint he finished in an excellent fifth place after losing in the quarter-finals to eventual Olympic champion Harrie Lavreysen. In turn, he was 10th in the keirin. After everything, he managed to sum up a little.
Polish cyclist gives vent to emotions after the games. “I feel helpless”
The cyclist posted a lengthy entry on the X portal, in which he recounted what the start in Paris looked like from his perspective. “The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are over. 5th and 10th place in my performance, I couldn't do more. I gave my all on the track. Years of sacrifice, sacrificing everything to fight for medals at this event. Sprint competitions are merciless and you can't afford the slightest mistake. But what good is it when you do everything you can, but you can't jump over certain things? I just feel helpless sometimes,” he began.
It was almost like Rudyk wouldn't have started in Paris at all, because he was temporarily suspended for using insulin. However, he needed this because he is diabetic. Fortunately, the matter was resolved and he was allowed to compete. “I am glad that, although without a medal, I could show that you can be a good athlete with diabetes and achieve high results. sports resultsand fight at the Olympic Games. I thank those who supported me on this path and thanks to whom I could be at this event and represent our country with dignity,” he added.
Rudyk attacks PZKol. Dramatic question. “Will it make sense?”
Finally, Rudyk devoted a few sentences to the Polish Cycling Association. Just like his teammate Daria Pikulikor a former Olympian Krzysztof Maksel, who commentated on the competition on Eurosport, had a huge grudge against the local officials.“I apologize to those I have let down. I want to try again, once again in 4 years to fight for my dreams. But if nothing changes, will it make sense? I leave myself and you with this question. Once again, I thank those who are with me, support me and help me, and to those who are putting obstacles in my way, I have a request – disappear and do not disturb me anymore,” he concluded.
Already at the very beginning of the track cyclists' competition, Krzysztof Maksel emphasised that our athletes achieve success not thanks to, but despite the activities of PZKol. – Track cycling is a beautiful sport, but in an inept association, with inept officials, these cyclists shine despite everything and they really need to be appreciated. (…) Unfortunately, the association does not help, the association puts obstacles in our way, and does not replace the boards with new ones – he said on Eurosport.