WARSAW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Legendary Polish ski jumper Kamil Stoch says that he isn't considering retiring after the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as he "has potential to develop his skills."
The three-time Olympic champion is considered to be one of the favorites to stand on the podium in Beijing. For the 33-year-old, it might be the last chance to win an Olympic medal, but he hopes he will be able to continue his career after the 2022 Winter Olympics.
"I wish Beijing wasn't my last dance and the end of our generation. I am still a jumper, so far the furthest my thoughts run to the next training. I always thought the more experience you have, the better jumper you are. And indeed, in some situations it is. In others, however, it's harder and I have to do more. I know that my body will not grow younger because there are limits to which I am inevitably going. For now, I think I still have reserves and I can develop. It motivates me and gives me the energy to be better," Stoch said in an interview with Polish media on Monday.
The Pole emphasized that he has to concentrate on the upcoming challenges instead of talking about his retirement.
"Journalists often ask if I am going to leave, and if so, when. It will happen one day, but for now, you have to live and do your job. There are preparations for Beijing, I work hard but I don't think about where I'll be in six months' time. I am getting ready for many starts, for hills where I would like to present myself great and that's how it goes", the ski jumper added.
According to Stoch, the Poland team is in a crucial period of the Olympic preparations. "I don't even know the details of the plan as I believe I don't need to have this knowledge. I only know that one of the most important periods for us is underway, i.e. strong motor training. We have to build a base that we will use later", he added.
Team manager, Michal Dolezal, doesn't hide in the interviews that the main goal for Beijing is taking medals.
"I don't read all opinions. The trainer says he knows what we can do, but he expects good jumps, not results. First, you have to do your job well, we all know that. On the other hand, coach Dolezal can talk about medals, because we are no longer children, we are not 18 or 20 years old. Each of us knows what we have experienced and what we feel, what to do to achieve success," Stoch concluded. Enditem
