Jakub Kazimierz Kraska of Poland competes during the men's 4x100m freestyle relay final of swimming at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
After winning first gold for Poland in the men's 4x100 freestyle relay at the Chengdu Universiade, Polish swimmers expressed their happiness and pride.
WARSAW, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Polish coach Jakub Karpinski praised his swimmers after they won the first gold for Poland in the men's 4x100 freestyle relay at the 31st World University Games.
On Tuesday, Kamil Sieradzki, Dominik Dudys, Mateusz Chowaniec and Jakub Kraska showed their quality to win the final competition in men's 4x100 freestyle relay, ahead of Brazil and Italy, after they clocked 3:14.60. For Poland, it was the first gold taken at the Universiade.
"It was clear for us that we would fight not only for the podium, but for gold. Our results were stunning. It was a proof that we prepared very well for the event. That's why I'm very happy," Karpinski said on Wednesday.
"I'm really satisfied with all my athletes, not only with the men's relay who stood on the highest podium. I think we did a great job here," Karpinski added.
Gold medalists Team Poland pose on the podium during the awarding ceremony for men's 4x100m freestyle relay of swimming. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)
The leader of the team Jakub Kraska expressed his happiness and pride. "I've had the opportunity to compete abroad several times, but this is my first Universiade. As you see, I'm really happy with our achievement. It's a beautiful last chapter of the whole season," the athlete said.
"I would like to say some words about my teammate Dominik Dudys, who is taking part in major international competitions for the first time. I know he has always believed in this success and now he has proved that if you really believe in something, you can achieve a lot," Kraska concluded.
Poland has won one gold and three bronze medals so far at the Universiade. ■
