Winiarr

(speech at final match)

If my voice is shaking and I am moved - there is a reason. Thank you for coming in such large numbers and supporting my team PGE Skra Bełchatów, thank you very much. In my career, I always gave my best and volleyball was my life. Today I’m leaving as a happy men, proud of what I’ve achieved and proud that I was able to meet such friendly people along the way. Thanks to PGE Skra for the shared 8 years, thanks to the boys with whom we created a second home in the changing room and I’m sure I’m gonna miss it. Boys, thank you very much. There are many people I’d like to mention. I would like to thank my parents for how they raised me, thanks to my mother-in-law, who is a contradiction to the rule (laugh), my sister, who was a faithful supporter - sometimes blindly, my sons, who I love to death, my wife, who was my best friend and psychologist during all of this time. Once again, I’d like to thank you, dear supporters, without you volleyball would not be the sport which it is now and without which I would not have experienced these amazing emotions, thank you very much.

What actually happened was that the Doctor phoned me, but I was asleep, so she sent me a text message. She wrote that I’m healthy. When it became clear to me I cried for joy. And after I calmed down I called her, I wanted to hear that news from her personally. I felt amazing solace after everything that had happened to me. I met up with the guys from our team, we talked about the new season and I thought myself: goddamn, let this chemotherapy be over already…

And it is over!

Yes, I took six primary doses, no more was needed. I dreamed about this moment, I couldn't wait for the results and for my return to sport. I dreamed about being with my team on court. I felt amazing after reading the text message, it was the second happiest day of my life. Second only to the day when my daughter was born. I want to burst with joy!

Is it the end of therapy?

Almost. In the near future I have to have medulla [bone marrow] analysis to be 110% certain about this shit. But the doctors are convinced right now that I’m completely healthy. Chemotherapy was effective, so my medulla should be clear. This medical check up has to be done, however everybody says I’m healthy.

Is there a chance that you can train with Polish National B Team (the second team)?

It would be great, this would be an opportunity for me to get back to good shape faster. I will be grateful if the PZPS (Polish volleyball federation) help me.

Have you felt like training recently?

You could say that it was very very delicate. I was unable to jog; when I told my doctor about that, I got a scolding, so I didn’t train. The results of the check up are a gift for me before Easter. I'm sharing it with you and with coach Świderski of course.

So you'll probably be ready to play in the next season of PlusLiga?

What will happen with me? We will see. For sure we are talking about my future with ZAKSA's management. Now I have to shed a few pounds, it’s easier this way, than the reverse. I don't have to eat a lot of fast food to gain weight, cause I have too much (weight).

Has this disease changed your life?