In an interview with Rzeczpospolita, Polish speed skater Damian Żurek opens up about his recent experiences at the Olympics where he finished in fourth place in two different events. Despite the setbacks, Żurek emphasizes the beauty and brutality of the sport, acknowledging both the personal challenges he faces and the tremendous support he has received from his team. His reflections reveal a deep connection to his sport and the people who support him, suggesting that it is this camaraderie that helps him cope with the pressures of competitive racing.

The athlete candidly admits that finishing fourth is particularly painful, as such a position often goes unnoticed in the shadow of medal winners. He reflects on the competitive nature of the races, noting that his failure to medal is bittersweet; while he is proud to be in elite company and to showcase his skills, he had hoped for a different outcome. His timing was a mere 0.09 seconds short of earning a medal, highlighting how razor-thin the margins can be at this level of competition.

Žurek's commentary serves as both a personal reflection on his journey in speed skating and a broader commentary on the nature of success and failure in sports. He recognizes that while the public may not remember his fourth-place finishes, they are impactful moments that will remain with him. Ultimately, his resilient mindset encourages him not to give up and to continue striving for excellence, as he remains committed to competing and improving in future events.