English Section
Polskie Radio English Section Sport

Historic triumph for Poland at European short track championships – three medals secured

20.01.2025 11:11
The Polish national team will return with three medals from the European Championships in Dresden, Germany. On Sunday, the men’s quartet won a silver medal, while the mixed relay claimed bronze. A day earlier, the women’s quartet secured a spot on the podium, finishing in third place.
Second placed team of Poland celebrate on podium after the mens 5000m final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 19 January 2025.
Second placed team of Poland celebrate on podium after the men’s 5000m final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 19 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA

In Sunday’s mixed relay final, the coaches selected Natalia Maliszewska, Michał Niewiński, Diane Sellier, and Kamila Stormowska to compete.

Despite a strong performance, an unfortunate fall by Niewiński dropped the Polish team to fourth place. However, a review revealed that Niewiński had been fouled by an Italian skater, leading to the disqualification of the Italian team. This decision reinstated Poland to third place and secured them the bronze medal.

Michal Niewinski (front) of Poland crashes next to Pietro Sighel of Italy during the men’s 1500m semi final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 18 January 2025. Michal Niewinski (front) of Poland crashes next to Pietro Sighel of Italy during the men’s 1500m semi final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 18 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA.

European Short Track Speed Skating Championships: Dresden 2025

The competition concluded with the men’s relay on the 5000-meter distance. The Polish squad—comprising Niewiński, Kuczyński, Thomas, and Sellier—crossed the finish line in third.

Due to the disqualification of the defending champions, the Netherlands, the Poles were promoted to second place, earning silver medals.

Paweł Adamski, who contributed to the team’s success in the quarterfinals, was also awarded a medal.

Three medals for Polish relay teams

Third placed team of Poland react on the podium after the Mixed Team Relay final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 19 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA Third placed team of Poland react on the podium after the Mixed Team Relay final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 19 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA

Individual events brought both challenges and hope for the Polish athletes. Kamila Stormowska finished seventh in the 1500-meter final. Michał Niewiński reached the 1000-meter final, raising expectations.

He performed better than his teammate Diane Sellier, who exited in the quarterfinals. In the decisive race, Niewiński was on track for a medal but suffered a fall in the final laps, leaving him in fifth place.

Overall, the Polish team secured three medals, including the women’s relay bronze on Saturday, marking their best performance in history at the European Championships. Their medal tally now stands at fifteen.

Third placed team of Poland celebrate on the podium after the women’s 3000m relay final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 18 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA Third placed team of Poland celebrate on the podium after the women’s 3000m relay final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 18 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA
Gabriela Topolska of Poland in action during the women’s 3000m relay final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 18 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA Gabriela Topolska of Poland in action during the women’s 3000m relay final race at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating European Championships in Dresden, Germany, 18 January 2025. Photo: Filip Singer/PAP/EPA

Source: IAR/X/@sport_pr24pl

(m p)