Damian Zieliński
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What is your greatest inspiration?
Definitely my family - my wife, who supports all that I do, and my two daughters.
Do you sometimes have doubts, when you think that your goal might be unachievable, and what do you think of then? What motivates you to keep battling everyday challenges?
Of course moments of weakness are part of everyday life in sport. There are no superheroes, if athletes had unbreakable psyches there would be no sports psychologists! I am on optimist, but also a realist. I believe in working hard and I know that there are certain things I will not achieve. I do what I do because I want to. An Olympic medal is not necessary to feel fulfilled in sport.
What makes you never give up?
I think that I am just like that, I stand up to the challenges fate throws at me. To me, failure is a lesson for the future, I don't worry about it. One of my coaches says that it isn't bad to make mistakes but to repeat them.
Who had the biggest influence on what you do now?
I think it was my father, he also trained professionally in kayaking, and knew the price of even the smallest success. He persuaded me to start training.
What is your greatest dream?
I am sure it is the same as any athlete - to win an Olympic medal. Outside sport it is to provide for my family.
What does sport and success on the track mean to you?
When I first started, the big unknown, a curiosity, fascination. Now it is my passion and my work.
What should people enjoy the most in life? What is the most important?
It will always be health. Money and luck may or may not bring happiness, but if you don't have your health you won't be able to enjoy anything.
We live constantly faster, forgetting about eating properly, exercise in the fresh air. Should we change our way of thinking and start to take better care of our health?
Definitely, although from what I have seen the situation isn't that bad and is getting better. People are becoming more conscious of being physically active and the benefits this brings.
Why did you decide to become a patron for Cycle Poland?
I support every initiative intended to help others. It's also the first time anyone has asked me to be a patron of anything!
Do you think that initiatives like this are needed? Many sceptics say that participants in charity events such as this are just making up a cause for their holidays.
Well, we have freedom of speech and everyone can say what they like... Initiatives such as this are needed, especially when there is little government money... We all need to help others. As an athlete I can help by giving my name and results and if I know I can help even one person I will do it.
Do you think that in organising the ride and showing that a hospice is life too, the Foundation is challenging people's preconceptions about hospices?
Definitely. Our society still associates the word hospice with an institution where people spend the last moments of their lives.
Have you had any experience of supporting someone in their battle with a terminal illness.
Absolutely, 4 years ago my father died from cancer. I remember how unwilling he was to accept help from a hospice.
How do you think people can help those with terminal illnesses?
I remember that my father's doctors said that the greatest factor is belief in a cure. I think the most important thing aside from medicine is the support of family and friends, to not let the patient give up.
What is your message for the participants of Cycle Poland?
For my part - thank you to everyone for taking part, and for giving me the opportunity to take part in this challenge with people who spontaneously help others.
Definitely my family - my wife, who supports all that I do, and my two daughters.
Do you sometimes have doubts, when you think that your goal might be unachievable, and what do you think of then? What motivates you to keep battling everyday challenges?
Of course moments of weakness are part of everyday life in sport. There are no superheroes, if athletes had unbreakable psyches there would be no sports psychologists! I am on optimist, but also a realist. I believe in working hard and I know that there are certain things I will not achieve. I do what I do because I want to. An Olympic medal is not necessary to feel fulfilled in sport.
What makes you never give up?
I think that I am just like that, I stand up to the challenges fate throws at me. To me, failure is a lesson for the future, I don't worry about it. One of my coaches says that it isn't bad to make mistakes but to repeat them.
Who had the biggest influence on what you do now?
I think it was my father, he also trained professionally in kayaking, and knew the price of even the smallest success. He persuaded me to start training.
What is your greatest dream?
I am sure it is the same as any athlete - to win an Olympic medal. Outside sport it is to provide for my family.
What does sport and success on the track mean to you?
When I first started, the big unknown, a curiosity, fascination. Now it is my passion and my work.
What should people enjoy the most in life? What is the most important?
It will always be health. Money and luck may or may not bring happiness, but if you don't have your health you won't be able to enjoy anything.
We live constantly faster, forgetting about eating properly, exercise in the fresh air. Should we change our way of thinking and start to take better care of our health?
Definitely, although from what I have seen the situation isn't that bad and is getting better. People are becoming more conscious of being physically active and the benefits this brings.
Why did you decide to become a patron for Cycle Poland?
I support every initiative intended to help others. It's also the first time anyone has asked me to be a patron of anything!
Do you think that initiatives like this are needed? Many sceptics say that participants in charity events such as this are just making up a cause for their holidays.
Well, we have freedom of speech and everyone can say what they like... Initiatives such as this are needed, especially when there is little government money... We all need to help others. As an athlete I can help by giving my name and results and if I know I can help even one person I will do it.
Do you think that in organising the ride and showing that a hospice is life too, the Foundation is challenging people's preconceptions about hospices?
Definitely. Our society still associates the word hospice with an institution where people spend the last moments of their lives.
Have you had any experience of supporting someone in their battle with a terminal illness.
Absolutely, 4 years ago my father died from cancer. I remember how unwilling he was to accept help from a hospice.
How do you think people can help those with terminal illnesses?
I remember that my father's doctors said that the greatest factor is belief in a cure. I think the most important thing aside from medicine is the support of family and friends, to not let the patient give up.
What is your message for the participants of Cycle Poland?
For my part - thank you to everyone for taking part, and for giving me the opportunity to take part in this challenge with people who spontaneously help others.
We have our fingers crossed for Damian this season, and wish him every success. We are hugely grateful for his support for Cycle Poland and the vital work of Polish hospices.