Dawid Kubacki about the European Games: “I will fight for the best possible result”

Dawid Kubacki is preparing to compete in the European Games and has already announced that he will give his best at the upcoming summer competition on the plastic matting. In just over two weeks, the leader of the Polish ski jumping team will take part in competitions on the Wielka and Średnia Krokiew hills at Zakopane’s Central Sports Centre.

Last season, Kubacki once again proved that he belongs to the world’s top men’s ski jumping team. The Wisla Zakopane athlete won six World Cup competitions (including two on the hill in Wisla), eventually taking fourth place in the overall standings of the series. His most important success, however, came at the World Championships in Planica, where he won the bronze medal in the competition on the K-125 meter hill. The 33-year-old will be able to make a good use of his experience while competing in the European Games. Ski jumping has appeared in the programme of this event for the first time.

“It will be an interesting experience for me, because the competition takes place at an unusual time for us. The end of June is primarily a training period, as the first summer starts begin later. I always say that this is a good time to verify my preparation for the main season. As with any competition, I will approach it with full commitment. I’m sure the fans will cheer, as it will be the holiday season. I hope the stands will be full and the atmosphere will be very cool,” said  Kubacki.

The two-time Olympic bronze medalist doesn’t set any specific goals for his performance at the European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023, but promises to fight for the best possible result. “I will do everything within my capabilities to achieve the best possible result – but since this is an unusual time for us to compete, it is difficult to assume anything exactly. Everything also depends on the intensity of training and the approach of the coaches. However, I am confident that I will give one hundred percent of my current capabilities. This is sport, so anything is possible,” stressed Kubacki, who returned to training after a long break and, as he admitted, feels good.

Ski jumping competitions of the III European Games will be held in Zakopane from June 27 to July 1. For hosting the participants of this event, the authorities of the local Central Sports Centre – Olympic Preparation Centre are preparing the best possible conditions for fans. The Średnia Krokiew, one of the two arenas for the ski jumpers’ competition, has recently been modernized. Located on the grounds of COS – OPO Zakopane, the facility will be retrofitted with a grandstand capable of holding over 2,000 spectators.