Truly a day to remember: Sunday 23rd July, 2017. Heavy rainfall caused some problems that day in running the competitions at The World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. All the same, the sun was shining for the Polish athlete Wojciech Bogdalat the Games; the Air Sports Paramotor athlete produced a technically fantastic performance. One year after his success, the 23-year-old student tells us his thoughts about becoming a gold medalist at The World Games 2017.
How do you remember the Games?
Wojciech Bogdal:Of course I have very good memories of The World Games 2017: I won the first gold medal for Poland in Wroclaw. For sure this was a special moment! I can remember my friends telling me that the news was everywhere in our media. My cellphone gave up after I had received very many calls and text messages. It was a great event, where we were given a chance to show everyone our passion and the skills of Paramotor competition. The memories will remain for a very long time in my head.
How do you remember your competition and success?
Wojciech Bogdal: The competition was not easy, especially considering that we had to compete under new rules. It was the first time we had flown Paramotor Slalom without using a speed bar – we had to learn everything from basics. The gold medal that I won at The World Games 2017 is one of the greatest successes in my sport career. I will forever remember singing the Polish anthem while standing on the top of podium.
Where at home do you keep the gold medal?
Wojciech Bogdal: I keep my gold medal with the others that I have won, but it is placed so that it stands out from the rest.
Were there reactions later?
Wojciech Bogdal: My success attracted a lot of attention, because it was the first gold medal for Poland in The World Games 2017. I was invited to television and radio stations and I gave a lot of interviews. In my home town I was warmly welcomed by my fans. Even these days I am asked to tell the story about my success in Wrocław.
Have you made your sport more popular in your home country through your success?
Wojciech Bogdal: Yes of course. We have appeared more often in mainstream media, and we have had more opportunities to promote our sport. Thanks to The World Games 2017 we were able to show to a wide audience what our passion is all about, and we have probably encouraged some new people to fly.
What other competitions have you competed in?
Wojciech Bogdal: Since The World Games I have competed in the European Championships in the Czech Republic and the World Championships in Thailand. I won gold medals in both.
What are your goals for the future?
Wojciech Bogdal: The World Slalom Championships in Egypt (starting 29th October) are steadily getting closer, and I need to prepare and train a lot. When it comes to further plans, I don’t want to expose them right now, but the effects will be visible in the future.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
