Vladimir Semirunniy gave his all. The end of the Games with our heads held high

It is no secret that when going to the 2026 Winter Olympics, Vladimir Semirunniy had one crowning distance – at which he was one of the contenders for the Olympic medal. It was a 10 km competition. And indeed, “Władek” showed his best at his favorite distance. Ultimately, the Pole won the silver medal.

WINTER 2026: Vladimir Semirunniy without the final in the mass race. The Pole fought until the end

In Italy, Semirunnij had the opportunity to test himself over two distances. First it was 1500 meters, and then – quite unexpectedly – ​​a mass run. The speed skater from Russia, but living in Poland since 2023, took a solid 10th place in the 1500 m fight.

As for Saturday’s (February 21) start in the mass race, it was a kind of madness. Semirunnij himself admitted that the last time he took part in such a competition was a few years ago. However, if an Olympic opportunity arose, “Władek” wanted to take advantage of it.

However, the semi-final and a point scored during one of the sections (scored race) were all that the Olympic vice-champion won that day. Semirunnij clearly did not feel optimal in this type of competition. However, the Pole did not intend to give up the race, so it is worth appreciating that he really pushed hard during this section of the route, getting on the points list.

The final chord of Semirunnija’s performance at Winter Olympics 2026 will be the closing ceremony on Sunday (February 22). As the Polish Olympic Committee announced on Saturday, “Władek” will be the standard-bearer of the Polish national team – together with Gabriela Topolska, a short track competitor.

2026 Games in Italy. Where and when to watch the Poles’ starts?

The Polish national team during the opening games consists of 60 athletes. In the 21st century, there has never been a time when a Polish woman or a Pole was not on the Olympic podium during the Winter Olympics. During the last winter games, Poland finished the competition with one medal. The bronze medal was won by ski jumper Dawid Kubacki in the normal hill competition.

In the history of the Olympic Games, the Polish national team has won a total of 27 medals – seven gold, ten silver and ten bronze, respectively. Interestingly, the first bronze medal for Poland was won by Franciszek Gąsienica-Groń (Nordic combined) almost exactly 70 years ago, during the Olympic Games in… Cortina d’Ampezzo. This year, history has come full circle in a beautiful Italian-Polish Olympic circle.

Broadcasts from Winter Olympics 2026 in Poland are provided by Telewizja Polska (TVP) and the Discovery group (Eurosport). The event will last until Sunday, February 22.