"We have created a lot out of nothing for years!"

Szczepan Kupczak, the most successful Polish athlete of recent years, found himself in a curious situation after the season ended. With all of his senior teammates retiring at once, he will be Nordic Combined’s latest “One Man Band” this season. For TUESDAY TALK, he spoke about a new cooperation with the Czech team, his reasons to continue and the development of Nordic Combined in Poland.

First of all, how are you doing at the moment? Were you able to go back to normal training in Poland or are there still some Corona-restrictions which make things difficult?

Szczepan Kupczak: Here in Poland we can train already more or less like in normal times. Actually, I was just in the Czech Republic for train with other guys. I passed the test on the Corona-Virus so I know im healthy and I can do my work as well

As an additional difficulty for you, many of your teammates retired after last season. Do you know why they all chose to end their careers?

Kupczak: Yes, that was a really difficult situation for me. For sure, it would have been better if they had wanted to train for another season. But one retired and then it went like a game of domino.

I’m not exactly sure as to the reasons but maybe my teammates saw that there is no way to get to next level of their performance. Nordic Combined it a difficult sport and there is no way to act half-heartedly, if you have doubts. Additionally, it is very difficult if you lose your financial support and have family.

From my side I can say, I would have done the same in their situation and I keep my fingers crossed that my friends find the right path for themselves in their lives.

It was announced that you will train with the Czech team this summer and that Polish coach Robert Mateja will join the Czech team as well. Can you tell us a little more in detail how the cooperation will look like?

Kupczak: Yes, after all this turbulence we tried to find a good solution to the problem. When Robert announced he will train the Czech team in the future, my Ski Association talked with the Czech Ski Federation about a cooperation.

I know that they are better on in cross-country skiing than me and I am not bad in ski jumping part, so we can share a knowledge and create something interesting, I think. We will see what comes out of it in the end! (laughs)

On your facebook page, it could be seen that the first camp with the Czech athletes has started. How is it going so far?

Kupczak: Yes, I was in the Czech Republic for a first training with this team, and also to talk about this cooperation in "normal" conditions, face to face, finally. It went well without problems and with a good atmosphere!

You were the most successful Polish athlete of the last years in Nordic Combined. What are your goals for the future, what do you still want to achieve in your career?

Kupczak: My decision to continue was also difficult, but I still have a lot of motivation and “self-denial” to make this decision. My goal for this season is the Top 10-15 in World Cup and to improve my best result in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in this year. For sure, also to start preparing for perfect results in Olympic Games next season, if it will be that possibility

Do you think it will be possible to form a good Polish Nordic Combined team again in the future?

Kupczak: I think, there is a big chance. I think Nordic Combined in Poland just started. We were the athletes who took up this discipline after many years without any attention. Already, we have a new generation of trainers who have achieved a lot of successes during their careers. So I think there is a big chance for us.

We've created a lot out of nothing for years, and I hope it doesn't end there. Now, we have a several talented kids and now also have more know-how.  All we have to do is not to repeat the mistakes that our generation made. (laughs).