He replaced Rafał Lepel, a former Polish biathlete whose contract was not renewed following several disappointing seasons.
Velepec, 57, previously spent three years coaching the German national team.
During his career, he has worked with many top biathletes, including Slovenia’s Jakov Fak and Teja Gregorin, and also served as head coach of the Ukrainian national team.
Athletes under his guidance have earned 16 world championship medals and multiple Olympic medals.
The Polish men’s team for the upcoming Olympic season includes Fabian Suchodolski, Konrad Badacz, Jan Guńka, Marcin Zawół and Wojciech Skorusa.
Meanwhile, the Polish women’s team, led by Norwegian coach Tobias Torgersen, will consist of Anna Mąka, Joanna Jakieła, Kamila Żuk, Daria Gembicka and Natalia Sidorowicz.
Biathlon, a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, will return to the international stage in late November.
In February next year, the sport's top international competitors will compete for medals at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy’s Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
(gs)
Source: PAP, sport.tvp.pl, biathlon.com.pl