Polish News Agency: The best year of your career is behind you. It all started in March, when you won a bronze medal at HMŚ. Did you ever expect such good results?

Adrianna Sulek: During the preparation period for the world championships, I told my training group that I was probably going to miss this competition. Until now, they joked with me and said: do not get involved in games and other events … Then I did not know what to expect from cooperation with the new coach Marek Rzepka. However, after my performance in Belgrade, I was confident that I would step into the world’s top tier and not fall out of it anytime soon.

This year, you improved the country’s records in five and seven rounds, but you also achieved the best results in eight competitions. Which “life” do you value the most?

Certainly in the shot put. I always knew I was a strong girl who, however, has hopeless technique. It stopped me from pushing away. Now my technique is correct and I am working on improving it.

Did you pay the most attention to this competition in your training?

Definitely yes, and now we’re doing a javelin throw. I have the biggest reservations in this competition. In targeted events, I am often at the forefront, and after a javelin throw, I fall just behind the podium. It was the same in Eugene, and we couldn’t make up the loss.

What were your goals before the World Cup?

Polish record and bronze medal. I suspected that the American Anna Hall would not be in top form, but she has reached the heights of her abilities. Supporters helped her. You felt that the whole stadium was supporting her. She was applauded the whole time and we had to break through the starting Americans. I suspected that I would be third behind Nafissatou Thiam and Anouk Vetter. I finished four and it was a bad surprise for me. I expected over 6,600 points to get bronze. However, I would rather lose when I get world-class results than win when I get average results.

What memories do you have of your stay in the USA?

I don’t know if I want to go back there in the years to come, apart from the Los Angeles Olympics. It’s hard to find healthy food in the stores there and it’s a pain. The United States reminds me of Warsaw and I don’t find myself in an overcrowded and crowded city. As for the event itself, I don’t know if anyone beats the Americans when it comes to cheers. They are very involved in sports. I would like to go to the United States privately and visit what I have on my dream list. Maybe then I will fall in love with this country.

What was your attitude towards the European Championship in Munich at the end of the season?

I wanted to win. I was well prepared, but unfortunately, four days before the start, I injured my thigh biceps. Therefore, there were only 6532 points and a silver medal.

Were you afraid that the contest was not over?

Ointments applied to warm-up did not help, nor did authorized painkillers. It was then that I realized that the obstacles were not going to unfold the way I wanted. I barely broke 14 seconds. The turning point when I knew I wouldn’t give up was the high jump. Then I broke my lifetime shot put record, so how did I stop? On the other hand, in the 200m, I didn’t run 100%, but I wasn’t the last in the strongest series either. In the end, I finished wrestling and received an award for it.

So, without this injury, you would have further improved your Polish record of 6672?

There would definitely be a Polish record, because I know how prepared I was, but I don’t know if it would give gold because it’s hard to predict how Thiam would fare.

Have you already healed the wound mentioned?

Yes. I am one hundred percent healthy and ready to break new life records.

You became the winner of the 13th edition of the Queen’s Laurel of Sport and received the award at a gala in Bydgoszcz. What does this award mean to you?

I hadn’t prepared a speech because I didn’t know I was going to win. I thought Anna Kiełbasińska’s work and her three ME medals would be appreciated more. I am happy because I like to be appreciated in my region. I love these events because of the family atmosphere and I feel good in this company when I meet Paweł Wojciechowski, other athletes and people who have always encouraged me. We will see what impressions I will have after the Golden Spikes gala, where I will appear for the first time.

How do you stay motivated after achieving such successes like this year?

A few years ago, I set myself a goal of seven thousand points in seven legs, which means that all my life records have to be even stricter. I’ll try to do that at the games in Paris. My motivation will end when… I step off stage. I would also like to win an Olympic medal, get closer to the world record in the stadium and improve the world record in the indoor pentathlon. Then I will be a fulfilled player and I will begin to realize myself on other levels.

How did you spend your time after the end of the season?

I had six weeks off, but during that time I had a lot of media and sponsor responsibilities. However, I was able to rest with my boyfriend for a few days in Spain. This was a major reset for me. My head rested and I managed to set myself goals for the next year. Now I am very motivated for the years to come.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don’t have many, because training takes a lot of time, because I still have to learn a lot of competitions. Of course, when I’m stuck in traffic, I really like to listen to music or podcasts that bring something into my life. I also like to walk my dog. I love animals. Books are also my springboard. I have many passions, but the day is too short to pursue them.

What will your preparation period look like for the next season?

Thursday we start a two-week training camp in Zakopane. I will also prepare for the indoor season in Spała and Monte Gordo in Portugal. The next gatherings will take place in Belek, Turkey and Tenerife. I have already spoken with the coach and I have a tight schedule until next year’s world championships in Budapest. We will see if health will allow the implementation of this plan.

And in winter, the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul. Going for gold?

Yes of course.

How do you cooperate with coach Rzepka?

Very well. He is open to my ideas and flexible. He treats me like a partner. The trainer respects what I propose. I no longer do unnecessary work. I’ve moved past the fact that I’m doing everything on the sheet. I listen to my body. The coach knows the competitions which are my Achilles heels and for example we practice the javelin throw twice a week.

After establishing cooperation with this coach, did you move from Bydgoszcz to Warsaw?

I’ve been living in the capital for over a year now, as I can’t imagine working remotely. I don’t have time to worry about posting videos. The trainer must be present at all times.

Do you spend a lot of time at the AWF offices in Warsaw?

The hall and the stadium are probably the only places where you can meet me. I don’t go to clubs in Warsaw, I don’t even know where they are.

How important was coach Wiesław Czapiewski to your career and development?

I will continue to emphasize that I owe him everything. Coach Rzepka brings me to the world results that are being talked about, but he already has a diamond cut. On the other hand, coach Czapiewski noticed me, taught me everything and built foundations that will no longer be destroyed. Whether or not the relationship with my current coach lasts until the end of my career, I will dedicate all Olympic medals to Coach Czapiewski.

KN, PAP

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