Konrad Bukowiecki competes in the men's shot put final at the 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Poland's Konrad Bukowiecki made a powerful return from injury to claim the men's shot put gold at the Chengdu Universiade.
WARSAW, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Poland's Konrad Bukowiecki could not hide his happiness after winning gold in the men's shot put at the Chengdu Universiade, having faced big health problems this season before going to China.
On Wednesday, the 26-year-old emerged victorious with a throw of 20.23 meters, defeating compatriot Szymon Mazur and Germany's Xaver Hasterath into second and third places respectively.
For Bukowiecki, his Chengdu gold has a special taste, as he returned to training after rupturing knee ligaments shortly before the event.
"I have a really difficult season, so I treat the gold of the Universiade as a great consolation. I'm proud that Polish athletes won two medals in the men's shot put. I congratulate Szymon Mazur, who took second place," Bukowiecki told Polish media.
Bukowiecki (L) and compatriot Szymon Mazur celebrate after finishing first and second in men's shot put. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
The Pole emphasized that he had yet to return to his best form after injury.
"Due to ruptured ligaments I used to live with pain. I will feel that pain until I undergo surgery. I'm focused on what happens in my head. In some moments during the competition I'm afraid that something can go wrong and I would have to take a break due to injury. I'm still working on my mental health," Bukowiecki concluded. ■
