Maja Włoszczowska
An exclusive interview with the mountainbike champion of Poland 2013 and the world in 2010
Maja speaks to the Foundation about her support for Cycle Poland,
breaking her ankle weeks before the Olympics and the things that are most important in life
Why did you decide to support “Cycle Poland for Polish hospices”?
As a professional cyclist I live my passion, fulfil my own dreams and the dreams of my supporters, give joy to my fans. If I can use my successes on a wider scale, supporting initiatives like “Cycle Poland for Polish hospices”, then what I do takes on even greater meaning. Why is this important for you? We often do not realise how many people around us need our help and how little it would take for us to help. This ride aims not only to make society more aware of hospices and their work, but also promotes an active life style. It is an example of an excellent initiative that combines fun with doing good. It is something with which I am very happy to be involved. What is your message for the ride’s participants? Most of all, have fun. Ahead of them lies a not insignificant journey across Poland, definitely lots of adventures and of course some exceptionally valuable visits to Polish hospices, where I hope they will provide a big dose of positive energy for patients. Do you have experience of supporting someone fighting a terminal illness? My grandfather died of cancer two years ago. Unfortunately the illness was diagnosed very late and he had practically no chance of beating it... How do you think people can help someone with a terminal illness? By giving that which is most valuable – care and time. Help them forget about their illness even for a while, support their dreams and help fulfil them as much as is possible. People who are seriously ill often lose their motivation for life. What would be your message to them? I think that only someone who has had a brush with death themselves can advise anything. I wouldn’t even try.... From my experiences I can say only one thing – if you don’t give up and set yourself goals, then you will always receive your reward, fate will somehow reward your strength of character. Even if we can’t get back our full life, we can spend the part that remains happy, with others – and helping others. If we give up, we lose the most valuable moments that remain for us and we won’t change anything. My mum taught me that if I can’t change something, I should accept it. It’s an approach that works in life. In every part of it. |
You too can support Cycle Poland and Polish hospices.
You can make a donation below. |
Do you sometimes have moments of doubt, when you think that the goal you want to reach is unreachable? What do you think of then, what motivates you to keep going?
Of course, everyone has those moments. After my accident I spent half a year in intensive rehab. Several hours of training daily, always going past my pain threshold. And the effects were really slow, sometimes there was no effect at all – even the opposite, sometimes the movement in my foot would get worse. At times like that it is hard not to doubt. But I kept going, and now fate has rewarded me for that. I haven’t got back the full range of movement, but it is enough to ride my bike. What is more, I have been able to return to a high level of fitness and my first wins came much quicker than I expected.
To keep going, for me often the best thing is simply not to think about my problems. If we can influence something, then we should act. If we can’t, the only recipe for coping with problems is to accept things and move on, take your mind off it with other activities. The support of friends and family is also definitely very important - it cannot be overvalued.
What helps you never give up?
I don’t know. I just know that I can’t give up, and that’s it. Because if I give up, then what? Stiff ankle, the end of my career...? And then what ....? Of course, sometimes you lose, but for me it is incredibly important to know that I was beaten by circumstances, and not my own weakness.
What is your biggest inspiration?
How much our minds can achieve...
Who has had the biggest impact on what you do?
Definitely my mum. She is a very strong woman, who taught me most of all how to deal with problems – „if you can do something, do it. If you can’t, then don’t think about it. Accept it.”
What is your biggest dream?
To be able to repay everyone who has supported my in my battles with injuries and my preparation for important events. I have a great family and friends.
What do you think people should enjoy the most in life? What is the most important thing in life?
Other people. It is incredible how different we are, yet how strong are the connections we can form.
What was the most difficult moment of your career?
My unlucky fall before the Olympics [London 2012]. Realising that all the hard work and sacrifices of many people had been wasted. Later, watching the Olympic race with my leg in a cast and responding to the questions of fans “so, where are you? We came here for you...”. It’s a good thing that I could wear dark sunglasses.
What is sport and success for you?
On one hand it is realising my dreams and ambitions. On the other, it is bringing joy to others, motivating them. When I see the happiness in the eyes of my fans when I win, or when I get mails like “You managed, so I will too”, my life takes on greater meaning.
And what are defeats?
A necessary evil. Lessons in humility. Moments, thanks to which I can later appreciate success and enjoy what I have.
Do you think that the Poles are a healthy nation? Should we change our way of thinking and look after our health more?
I think that a lot has changed in the last few years. More and more people pay attention to their health, diet, find time for exercise. Once upon a time on my training rides I would meet one, two people on bikes. Now I meet a dozen. Of course there are still lots of couch potatoes, and we should infect them with our passion for sport. It gives you not just health, but lots of joy. It changes your attitude to life.
Of course, everyone has those moments. After my accident I spent half a year in intensive rehab. Several hours of training daily, always going past my pain threshold. And the effects were really slow, sometimes there was no effect at all – even the opposite, sometimes the movement in my foot would get worse. At times like that it is hard not to doubt. But I kept going, and now fate has rewarded me for that. I haven’t got back the full range of movement, but it is enough to ride my bike. What is more, I have been able to return to a high level of fitness and my first wins came much quicker than I expected.
To keep going, for me often the best thing is simply not to think about my problems. If we can influence something, then we should act. If we can’t, the only recipe for coping with problems is to accept things and move on, take your mind off it with other activities. The support of friends and family is also definitely very important - it cannot be overvalued.
What helps you never give up?
I don’t know. I just know that I can’t give up, and that’s it. Because if I give up, then what? Stiff ankle, the end of my career...? And then what ....? Of course, sometimes you lose, but for me it is incredibly important to know that I was beaten by circumstances, and not my own weakness.
What is your biggest inspiration?
How much our minds can achieve...
Who has had the biggest impact on what you do?
Definitely my mum. She is a very strong woman, who taught me most of all how to deal with problems – „if you can do something, do it. If you can’t, then don’t think about it. Accept it.”
What is your biggest dream?
To be able to repay everyone who has supported my in my battles with injuries and my preparation for important events. I have a great family and friends.
What do you think people should enjoy the most in life? What is the most important thing in life?
Other people. It is incredible how different we are, yet how strong are the connections we can form.
What was the most difficult moment of your career?
My unlucky fall before the Olympics [London 2012]. Realising that all the hard work and sacrifices of many people had been wasted. Later, watching the Olympic race with my leg in a cast and responding to the questions of fans “so, where are you? We came here for you...”. It’s a good thing that I could wear dark sunglasses.
What is sport and success for you?
On one hand it is realising my dreams and ambitions. On the other, it is bringing joy to others, motivating them. When I see the happiness in the eyes of my fans when I win, or when I get mails like “You managed, so I will too”, my life takes on greater meaning.
And what are defeats?
A necessary evil. Lessons in humility. Moments, thanks to which I can later appreciate success and enjoy what I have.
Do you think that the Poles are a healthy nation? Should we change our way of thinking and look after our health more?
I think that a lot has changed in the last few years. More and more people pay attention to their health, diet, find time for exercise. Once upon a time on my training rides I would meet one, two people on bikes. Now I meet a dozen. Of course there are still lots of couch potatoes, and we should infect them with our passion for sport. It gives you not just health, but lots of joy. It changes your attitude to life.
We have our fingers crossed for Maja this season, and wish her every success. We are hugely grateful for her ongoing support for Cycle Poland and the vital work of Polish hospices. You can read more about Maja's support for Cycle Poland here, and on her website.
Thank you to our generous sponsors for Cycle Poland 2013: