Adam Małysz, one of the most successful ski jumpers in history, has stepped down as president of the Polish Ski Association (PZN), a role he took on a few years after retiring from competition. He did not achieve major success during his four years in charge and chose not to run in the association's next elections.
On June 13, Małysz handed over his duties to Apoloniusz Tajner, the man he had replaced as PZN president in 2022.
In an interview with broadcaster TVP Sport, Małysz listed the successes of his term, saying he was glad to be leaving the association in a good financial position. He said broad squads under Poland's Sports Championship Schools meant every young athlete had a chance to attend training camps and competitions, giving equal opportunities to all rather than just a handful of athletes strictly inside the national team. He added that he was disappointed not to have fully completed his mission in alpine skiing.
Decline in ski jumping results
Ski jumping in particular suffered a significant decline during his tenure. In recent months only Kacper Tomasiak's results defended the honor of the Polish team, and criticism of Małysz grew increasingly strong as results dried up.
A new series called Life After Life
On Monday morning, Małysz posted a video on Instagram summarizing his four years at PZN. He said his adventure with the Polish Ski Association had ended after four years, and that he did not think he regretted the decision. He said the job had cost him a great deal of stress, adding that although he had believed he could accomplish a lot, much had gone well but much had also failed. He concluded that for the sake of his health and his state of mind, stepping down had been the right decision.
Małysz said he could now enjoy peace without the pressure, duties and obligations that came with the presidency. He announced a new project, telling followers on Instagram that he was starting a series called Life After Life, in which he will describe what his life looks like after leaving the PZN presidency, including topics that interest his followers.
Tajner takes over as Grand Prix begins
It remains to be seen whether Tajner can restore Polish ski jumping to the top of the sport. The first weekend of the Summer Grand Prix has already taken place, with two competitions held in Wisła. Polish jumpers did not dominate the events, with Tomasiak the best-placed home athlete, finishing seventh and tenth.
