Hope and focus for the Olympic future as the next generation shine in Spala (POL)

The years 2028 and 2032 might sound far off but the Olympic Games that will take place, respectively, in Los Angeles and Brisbane were front of mind when over 100 athletes gathered in Spala, Poland last month. 

The Olympic Hope competition at Spala’s Olympic Training Centre in late October saw 108 competitors representing nine different countries at Under 19 and Under 17 levels.

Athletes from Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Portugal, Lithuania and host nation Poland competed over three days. 

With Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Relay events, there were six sets of medals up for grabs in front of judges from Warsaw and Drzonków under the jurisdiction of the Polish Modern Pentathlon Federation. 

In the U19 Tetrathlon events there was gold medal joy for the host nation as Maciej Klimek took Men’s honours while Lucie Hlavackova of the Czech Republic claimed Women’s gold. Mixed Relay glory went to Hungary. 

In the U17 Triathle finals Alan Jasso added another gold for Hungary in the Men’s final while Maja Marcinkowska claimed another title for hosts Poland in the Women’s event. Mixed Relay honours again went to Hungary.

There was not one but two Olympic gold medalists on hand to present prizes to the next generation with Janusz Peciak (POL) and David Svoboda (CZE) presenting medals to the winners. 

“It was an excellent, organized competition and the young athletes showed a great performance and friendshi,” said Peciak. “There have been many talented athletes who can look ahead to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane, Australia 2032. All of the athletes as well as the coaches left Poland happy and very optimistic for future.”