The Unique Dynamics and Atmosphere of the Olympics by Kasia ...

However, during the Olympics, I am surrounded by Polish people, making the experience uniquely meaningful and somewhat homier. I feel I can truly be myself; my jokes are understood, and I receive much more support from my country than during other races. Having participated twice in the Olympics, in Rio and Tokyo, I’ve experienced the contrast between the two. In Rio, I was young, curious, and incredibly excited, fully soaking in the atmosphere. Tokyo, however, was different due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19, making it feel more like a regular race with larger crowds but without the full Olympic experience. I’m looking forward to Paris 2024, when things are back to normal, and staying in the village will come without restrictions.

The Olympic events present unique challenges and opportunities that differ significantly from typical professional races. One of the most significant differences is the race dynamics. The smaller peloton of just 80 riders changes everything, making the race less controlled and more chaotic. The absence of team radios means we must rely on our instincts and team communication on the road, which can lead to unexpected and exciting race developments. Additionally, racing in urban areas provides greater visibility and attracts more spectators, but it also increases the risks due to road furniture and multiple corners. Navigating these technical sections requires advanced bike handling skills, making the race even more thrilling and challenging.

This year’s preparation is a bit complicated, with only one week between the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the Olympics. It’s crucial to be in peak shape during this period. Together with my team and my federation, we devised a plan earlier in the season to optimise our preparation. Normally, in an Olympic year, we spend more time with our national teams at training camps or smaller races, representing our country rather than our professional teams. This allows us to build stronger bonds and trust. However, the rapid development of women’s cycling and the addition of significant races to the calendar have made it challenging to find extra time for additional travel. Mentally, I prepare myself for the varied interpretations of my results by the Polish audience. While I anticipate receiving a lot of feedback, both positive and critical, I focus on maintaining a balanced mindset and staying resilient.

Putting on my national kit fills me with immense pride and joy. It somehow gives me extra energy and motivation to push myself further, showing the world that Poland is fighting strong. Having spent most of my career racing for foreign teams, I’ve had to develop a different personality that acts and behaves in certain ways that are not entirely me. Returning to my original self when racing for my country makes the experience even more special and entertaining. The sense of national pride and camaraderie at the Olympics is unparalleled, providing a profound connection to my roots and a chance to inspire others in Poland to follow their dreams on bikes.

I am incredibly excited that the Olympics are taking place in Europe this time. My family and friends can come to watch me participate and share the experience with me. I am now a much more mature rider than I was in Rio and Tokyo, which will help me stay composed and better understand the race scenarios. I haven’t seen the course yet, but the profile suggests a classic style race that will be aggressive, dynamic, and quite technical – all aspects I enjoy. Being able to compete in such an environment, especially with the support of my loved ones, adds a significant layer of excitement and motivation.

Staying at the Olympic Village is also an amazing experience. Each country has its designated blocs where you get to meet other incredible athletes and where medalists are celebrated. The massive food courts are shared by all, meaning you could be having breakfast with someone you admire and watch on TV. In Rio, we were able to stay and relax in the village after our competition, fully embracing the village energy. It’s like a small city for athletes, where you can observe how others prepare for their events and how they handle the post-competition emotions. Although the rules have changed, and we now have to leave the accommodation soon after our events, the village remains a vibrant and inspiring place.

Dealing with national sports media that may not fully understand cycling can create extra pressure and unrealistic expectations. Talking to journalists who try to steer you into saying something that fits their narrative can be draining and distracting. In Rio, I had a challenging experience that taught me the importance of setting boundaries and protecting my mental space. The pressure at the Olympics is different because it’s imposed on us by external expectations rather than being a natural part of our routine. We all want to perform at our best and have a focused race approach, but managing the additional scrutiny from non-cycling media adds a unique challenge.

At the Olympics, we represent our country, and riders who are usually our rivals become our teammates for the event. It’s essential to be honest, loyal, and open in establishing a team plan that allows the strongest rider to compete for victory with the support of others. We also have a national coach who monitors our performance throughout the year and provides final instructions. The team atmosphere and mutual understanding are crucial, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of a supportive group of girls who share the same goal. The lack of radios and the smaller teams create a different dynamic, making the race more about strategy and teamwork.

As a young girl, I used to watch the Olympics with my dad, dreaming of being one of those athletes celebrating on the podium with a medal around their neck and the national anthem playing. I didn’t know then that my life would lead me to cycling and give me the opportunity to live out that dream. I still have that little girl inside me, eager to cross the finish line first and inspire others, especially in Poland, to fall in love with cycling. I am preparing both physically and mentally for this major event. I understand that the outcome can go either way, and I must be ready to embrace both success and the possibility of a missed opportunity.