On Sunday, the last day of action in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland's Damian Żurek claimed his second European title of the weekend, winning the men's 500 metres a day after taking gold in the 1,000.
The 26-year-old clocked 34.52 seconds on the shortest distance, finishing 0.30 seconds ahead of fellow Pole Marek Kania. Norway’s Bjørn Magnussen took bronze.
“I’m happy that hard work pays off,” Żurek said. “Having two gold medals around my neck is something I couldn’t even imagine. I’m very proud and especially happy to celebrate these successes here in Tomaszów Mazowiecki with my family and loved ones.”
Polish speed skaters continued their medal run on the final day of competition at the Ice Arena, with strong performances in both sprint and distance events, state news agency PAP reported.
“This is a historic moment for our team—we’ve never won so many medals,” said Rafał Tataruch, head of the Polish Speed Skating Association.
“It shows we are a speed skating power. It’s a good sign ahead of the Olympic Games, although we know that in Milan we will also face competitors from North America and Asia," he added.
The Polish team is scheduled to leave midweek for a training camp in Inzell, Germany, ahead of the final World Cup events and the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which begin on February 6.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP