Double podium glory for Poland in Sochi

Grzegorz Stoch with his second gold medal from the Sochi Winter Olympics. Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Momot

Stoch's winning performance on Saturday marked his second gold of the tournament thus far, following victory in the Normal Hill a week ago.

Fans are now waiting with bated breath to see if he can pull off a hat-trick on Monday, with Poland competing against 11 four-man teams in the combined event.

Asked by journalists about his long-term goals, Stoch joked that he has no plans to ski into his forties, unlike some of his peers.

“I hope that in 15 years time I'll be lying on a beautiful, sandy beach, making the most of my retirement from sport,” he said.

Zbigniew Brodka. Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Momot

Meanwhile, Zbigniew Brodka had his first taste of Olympic gold (pictured left), following a nail-biting finish on Saturday in the 1500 km speed skating event.

The part-time firemen beat Dutchman Koen Verweij by just 0.003 seconds, leaving second placed Verweij visibly despondent.

“I told him just one thing: I'm sorry, but that's sport,” Brodka revealed.

With four medals in the games thus far – all gold – Poland is currently ranked eighth in the tournament. Germany is leading the field, with seven golds, three silvers and two bronzes, followed by the Netherlands and Norway.

Fingers are being kept crossed for Stoch and fellow Polish ski-jumpers for the team event today. (nh)

Source: PAP, Przeglad Sportowy

Polish fans watch Grzegorz Stoch receive his second gold medal at Winter Olympics in Sochi. Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Momot