Kamil Stoch, 34, the Olympic champion in hill jumping, took a stand against Russia’s war on offensive against Ukraine.
Athletes and sports leaders have commented on Russia’s hostilities in Ukraine quite cautiously at the Lahti World Cup.
However, in the interview with Urheil, an impressive speech was heard by a Polish jumper. From Kamil Stoch.
Stoch, 34, had written a short but concise statement on his skis in English: “Stop the war.”
– We can’t pretend nothing happens. The war is going on, the people are suffering. We cannot turn our backs and close our eyes and ears. There is nothing we can do, Stoch said.
Neighboring countries Poland and Ukraine have more than 500 kilometers of common borders. News agency AP reported on Saturday that more than 150,000 Ukrainians have fled Ukraine due to the war, most of them to neighboring Poland and Romania.
Stoch, who finished 11th in Sunday’s race, said in a text on his skis that it’s better to fight in sports than in war.
– I want to say that there is no place for violence or war in sport. I want us to respect and support each other, to stand together. That’s what sports are all about. It is a matter of crossing one’s own borders and overcoming weaknesses.
Having won Olympic gold gold twice and once on a normal hill in his career, Stoch hopes that the sports world will take a stronger stance on the events in Ukraine.
– I hope I’m moving. I think sports are the most authentic and beautiful battle. Fight together, against both your opponent and yourself. I believe that sport is the answer.