Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to Poland's European Athletics Championships medallists. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
The Polish team managed 12 medals at the championships, including 2 golds, 5 silvers and bronzes, with Poland finishing sixth in the overall ranking.
“I don't know how many people were sitting in front of the television besides me, but believe me, Polish fans were as moved as you were,” Tusk told the medallists.
“Besides medals, you have won Poles' gratitude.
“You are truly positive heroes,” he added.
Hammer thrower Anita Wlodarczyk (L) Prime Minister Donald Tusk (C) and shot putterTomasz Majewski. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
Hammer thrower and gold medallist Anita Wlodarczyk gave a short speech on behalf of her team-mates.
“We're very moved,” she reflected.
“We fought for our country. We brought back 12 medals and we're not going to leave it at that.
“We want to win more medals at next year's World Championships.
“We've got the motivation for taking the fight further, and we want to represent our country as well as possible on the international arena.” (nh)
Poland's medallists in Zurich
Gold: Anita Wlodarczyk (hammer), Adam Kszczot (800m)
Silver: Artur Kuciapski (800m), Pawel Fajdek (Hammer), Pawel Wojciechowski (Pole Vault), Yared Shegumo (Marathon), Krystian Zalewski (3000m Steeplechase)
Bronze: Tomasz Majewski (Shot Put), Robert Urbanek (Discus), Joanna Jozwik (800m), Joanna Fiordorow (Hammer), Men's 4x400 relay
Source: PAP