{"id":667,"date":"2025-10-30T16:39:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T16:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/?p=667"},"modified":"2025-11-14T20:00:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T20:00:16","slug":"about-the-athlete-jan-marciniak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/?p=667","title":{"rendered":"About the Athlete: Jan Marciniak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“Dreams don\u2019t fade \u2014 they just turn into goals”<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Jan Marciniak<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

When you meet Jan Marciniak<\/strong>, you see focus, quiet confidence, and the calm of someone who belongs to the water. Behind his achievements \u2014 top-ten world rankings, national titles, and Olympic dreams \u2014 lies a story of persistence, adaptability, and deep connection to his roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through our conversation, it became clear that Jan is more than just an elite kitesurfer. He\u2019s an athlete who grew from the calm lakes of Poland into the open seas of the world \u2014 carrying with him a passion inherited, not chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

From the Lakes of Poland to the Open Sea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jan grew up far from the ocean \u2014 in the heart of Poland, surrounded by lakes. His journey didn\u2019t start with a kite but with sails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cMy father is a sailor, so I was always sailing. I don\u2019t even remember when I started \u2014 I was just there, on the boat.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s an image that feels almost cinematic: a small boy standing barefoot on a boat, the wind filling the sail, the rippling lake reflecting a big sky. Those early moments shaped not only his technical instincts but also his respect for water \u2014 an element he would later learn to master in an entirely new way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He began competing as a child in small Optimist boats before climbing the ladder of professional sailing. Soon, he moved to high-performance skiffs like the 29er and later aimed for the Olympic-class 49er.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But life, as in sport, isn\u2019t always smooth sailing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cBecause of some personal conflicts, I had to stop with the 49er. I couldn\u2019t find a crew \u2014 I was the helm \u2014 and I wanted something new, something to continue my career. That\u2019s when I started kiting.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What started as a setback turned into a new beginning. Kitesurfing wasn\u2019t simply a substitute for sailing \u2014 it was a rebirth. Suddenly, Jan found himself alone on the water, powered not by a sail but by a kite, discovering a freedom that felt both wild and precise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Feeling of Flight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Jan, kitesurfing is not simply a sport \u2014 it\u2019s a sensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe feeling of just kiting is amazing,\u201d he says with a smile.
\u201cSuper fast on the water with the hydrofoil and the kite \u2014 it\u2019s really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He talks about it with the joy of someone who has found his element again \u2014 this time with wings. The hydrofoil lifts the board above the surface, leaving only a whisper of contact with the water. For Jan, this isn\u2019t just speed \u2014 it\u2019s flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet this speed demands sharp focus. While some athletes describe a tunnel vision of concentration, Jan works on expanding his awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI used to be super focused \u2014 like in a tunnel \u2014 but I\u2019m trying not to be like that anymore. In racing, you need to see everything around you: other riders, wind shifts, gusts, clouds. You have to read the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He has learned that real mastery isn\u2019t about blocking the world out \u2014 it\u2019s about letting it in. On the water, every ripple, every shadow, every shift in the air can make the difference between victory and defeat. It\u2019s a lesson in mindfulness, balance, and respect for nature \u2014 the art of moving with, not against, the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Representing Poland: A Childhood Dream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Poland might not be the first country people associate with kitesurfing, but for Jan, representing his homeland carries profound meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThat was my dream since I was a kid. Watching the Olympic Games, I always dreamed of becoming a representative of my country. When I finally made it, I felt proud \u2014 it\u2019s an honor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

His words reveal a deep emotional connection to his roots. Growing up in a country where long winters and short summers limit time on the water, every achievement feels hard-earned. For Jan, putting on the Polish flag is a reminder of how far he has come \u2014 from quiet lakes to world championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Polish kitesurfing community, though smaller than in southern Europe, is vibrant and growing. With over 600 kilometers of coastline and an increasing number of training spots, Jan sees a promising future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as small as people think,\u201d he explains.
\u201cWe have a lot of kite spots. I\u2019m not super involved in the community yet \u2014 I grew up in the sailing world \u2014 but I know more and more people every year.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He laughs softly as he mentions how crowded the beaches can get on a good summer day. What used to be a niche sport is now one of the most dynamic water disciplines in Poland \u2014 and Jan is proud to be part of that evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Rising Through the Ranks: From National Champion to World Top Ten<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking at his career, Jan\u2019s steady rise is impressive. From a sailor discovering kites to a world-class competitor, his progress has been relentless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI think my best result so far is seventh place at the World Championship,\u201d he says.
\u201cWhen you check my way, you see I\u2019ve been going up every year \u2014 from zero to a top-level athlete.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Behind that calm confidence lies years of travel, training camps, and quiet determination. Every race taught him something \u2014 about wind, about strategy, and about himself. His evolution wasn\u2019t explosive; it was methodical, patient, consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, he added another title to his r\u00e9sum\u00e9 \u2014 Polish Champion \u2014 a victory that meant more to him than many international results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cMaybe for some top athletes it doesn\u2019t mean that much, but for me, being the best in my country is important. Even if people expect you to win, you still have to make it happen. When I finally did, I was super proud.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

At the European Championships, he finished fourth, confirming his place among the world\u2019s best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWhen I was on a lower level, I thought the top of the world was top ten,\u201d he reflects.
\u201cNow that I\u2019m there, I see it\u2019s more like top five. There are just a few riders fighting for the win \u2014 I\u2019m close, but not there yet.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s this quiet hunger \u2014 not arrogance, but ambition \u2014 that drives him forward. Every step closer to the top sharpens his awareness of how much more there is to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Hard Season: When Progress Slows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Success, however, is rarely a straight line. For Jan, the 2023 season brought challenges \u2014 not on the water, but in the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe most difficult season for me was 2023,\u201d he admits.
\u201cI had mental problems. I blamed myself too much. The season before, I made huge progress and expected the same again \u2014 but it didn\u2019t come. That\u2019s normal, but when it happens, you start doubting yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He speaks with honesty \u2014 no dramatics, just quiet truth. Every athlete knows that plateauing can feel worse than failing. For Jan, the hardest battles weren\u2019t fought in races, but in reflection \u2014 the moments between training sessions, when self-doubt whispers loudest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year, he says, there\u2019s a point where self-doubt appears \u2014 when results stall, or injuries interfere. What matters is how you handle those moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe important thing is to be prepared for that \u2014 not to focus on it too much.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a simple philosophy, but one that carries him through the hardest stretches: focus on the process, not the outcome. Ride the wind, even when it changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Mental Strength and Consistency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In kitesurfing, as in life, mental strength is everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI try to keep my mental performance steady,\u201d Jan explains. \u201cOne race doesn\u2019t define you. If it goes well, fine. If not, it happens \u2014 that\u2019s sport. What\u2019s important is to stay consistent, to keep the good shape.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s learned that real progress comes from emotional balance \u2014 not the highs of victory or the lows of disappointment, but the ability to stay calm and grounded. His voice is steady, almost meditative, as he describes his approach. For him, mindset is a skill like any other \u2014 trained, refined, and tested by experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Goal That Drives Him<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When asked about his motivation, Jan doesn\u2019t hesitate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still my little young dream,\u201d he says. \u201cTo go to the Olympics. To fight for a medal \u2014 to win it. That\u2019s my goal. I haven\u2019t made it yet, so it\u2019s easy to stay motivated. If you really want to reach something, even the things you don\u2019t like doing become easier.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a quiet intensity in his words \u2014 a mix of childlike excitement and adult determination. The dream that once felt distant is now tangible. Every training session, every race, every failure brings him a little closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Building the Future of Polish Kitesurfing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Poland\u2019s geography makes the path to professional kitesurfing harder \u2014 short summers, cold winters. But Jan believes in the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cYou can train in Poland for six or seven months. Then you need to go abroad \u2014 to Spain or France \u2014 to train in winter. But if you really want to improve, there\u2019s always a way.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a pragmatic view, shaped by years of balancing opportunity and limitation. And yet, there\u2019s optimism in his tone \u2014 a belief that Poland\u2019s young athletes will continue to push boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cSometimes it\u2019s even too crowded,\u201d he laughs. \u201cOn good forecasts during holidays, there\u2019s no space to kite. So it\u2019s already popular \u2014 maybe even too much!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Heart and Focus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When I ask if he has a life philosophy or a quote that guides him, his answer is simple and heartfelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m in the water, I focus only on that \u2014 it\u2019s dangerous, so you have to stay aware,\u201d he says.
\u201cIn life, what inspires me most is my girlfriend. She supports me so much \u2014 I wouldn\u2019t be where I am without her. And I get a lot of power from myself \u2014 to keep working, to become a better athlete every day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no need for grand slogans or motivational clich\u00e9s. Jan\u2019s words reflect who he is \u2014 grounded, genuine, and deeply human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Closing Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jan Marciniak\u2019s story is one of transformation \u2014 from a boy sailing on Polish lakes to a man flying across international waters, powered by wind, grit, and an unshakable dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For him, success isn\u2019t about fame or titles \u2014 it\u2019s about growth, persistence, and love for what he does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cDreams don\u2019t fade \u2014 they just turn into goals.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

And for Jan, that dream is clear: the Olympic podium, with the Polish flag rising behind him.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“Dreams don\u2019t fade \u2014 they just turn into goals” \u2013 Jan Marciniak When you meet Jan Marciniak, you see focus, quiet confidence, and the calm of someone who belongs to the water. Behind his achievements \u2014 top-ten world rankings, national titles, and Olympic dreams \u2014 lies a story of persistence, adaptability, and deep connection to his roots. Through our conversation, it became clear that Jan is more than just an elite kitesurfer. He\u2019s an athlete who grew from the calm lakes of Poland into the open seas of the world \u2014 carrying with him a passion inherited, not chosen. From the Lakes of Poland to the Open Sea Jan grew up far from the ocean \u2014 in the heart of Poland, surrounded by lakes. His journey didn\u2019t start with a kite but with sails. \u201cMy father is a sailor, so I was always sailing. I don\u2019t even remember when I started \u2014 I was just there, on the boat.\u201d It\u2019s an image that feels almost cinematic: a small boy standing barefoot on a boat, the wind filling the sail, the rippling lake reflecting a big sky. Those early moments shaped not only his technical instincts but also his respect for water \u2014 an element he would later learn to master in an entirely new way. He began competing as a child in small Optimist boats before climbing the ladder of professional sailing. Soon, he moved to high-performance skiffs like the 29er and later aimed for the Olympic-class 49er. But life, as in sport, isn\u2019t always smooth sailing. \u201cBecause of some personal conflicts, I had to stop with the 49er. I couldn\u2019t find a crew \u2014 I was the helm \u2014 and I wanted something new, something to continue my career. That\u2019s when I started kiting.\u201d What started as a setback turned into a new beginning. Kitesurfing wasn\u2019t simply a substitute for sailing \u2014 it was a rebirth. Suddenly, Jan found himself alone on the water, powered not by a sail but by a kite, discovering a freedom that felt both wild and precise. The Feeling of Flight For Jan, kitesurfing is not simply a sport \u2014 it\u2019s a sensation. \u201cThe feeling of just kiting is amazing,\u201d he says with a smile.\u201cSuper fast on the water with the hydrofoil and the kite \u2014 it\u2019s really nice.\u201d He talks about it with the joy of someone who has found his element again \u2014 this time with wings. The hydrofoil lifts the board above the surface, leaving only a whisper of contact with the water. For Jan, this isn\u2019t just speed \u2014 it\u2019s flight. Yet this speed demands sharp focus. While some athletes describe a tunnel vision of concentration, Jan works on expanding his awareness. \u201cI used to be super focused \u2014 like in a tunnel \u2014 but I\u2019m trying not to be like that anymore. In racing, you need to see everything around you: other riders, wind shifts, gusts, clouds. You have to read the environment.\u201d He has learned that real mastery isn\u2019t about blocking the world out \u2014 it\u2019s about letting it in. On the water, every ripple, every shadow, every shift in the air can make the difference between victory and defeat. It\u2019s a lesson in mindfulness, balance, and respect for nature \u2014 the art of moving with, not against, the wind. Representing Poland: A Childhood Dream Poland might not be the first country people associate with kitesurfing, but for Jan, representing his homeland carries profound meaning. \u201cThat was my dream since I was a kid. Watching the Olympic Games, I always dreamed of becoming a representative of my country. When I finally made it, I felt proud \u2014 it\u2019s an honor.\u201d His words reveal a deep emotional connection to his roots. Growing up in a country where long winters and short summers limit time on the water, every achievement feels hard-earned. For Jan, putting on the Polish flag is a reminder of how far he has come \u2014 from quiet lakes to world championships. The Polish kitesurfing community, though smaller than in southern Europe, is vibrant and growing. With over 600 kilometers of coastline and an increasing number of training spots, Jan sees a promising future. \u201cIt\u2019s not as small as people think,\u201d he explains.\u201cWe have a lot of kite spots. I\u2019m not super involved in the community yet \u2014 I grew up in the sailing world \u2014 but I know more and more people every year.\u201d He laughs softly as he mentions how crowded the beaches can get on a good summer day. What used to be a niche sport is now one of the most dynamic water disciplines in Poland \u2014 and Jan is proud to be part of that evolution. Rising Through the Ranks: From National Champion to World Top Ten Looking at his career, Jan\u2019s steady rise is impressive. From a sailor discovering kites to a world-class competitor, his progress has been relentless. \u201cI think my best result so far is seventh place at the World Championship,\u201d he says.\u201cWhen you check my way, you see I\u2019ve been going up every year \u2014 from zero to a top-level athlete.\u201d Behind that calm confidence lies years of travel, training camps, and quiet determination. Every race taught him something \u2014 about wind, about strategy, and about himself. His evolution wasn\u2019t explosive; it was methodical, patient, consistent. In 2023, he added another title to his r\u00e9sum\u00e9 \u2014 Polish Champion \u2014 a victory that meant more to him than many international results. \u201cMaybe for some top athletes it doesn\u2019t mean that much, but for me, being the best in my country is important. Even if people expect you to win, you still have to make it happen. When I finally did, I was super proud.\u201d At the European Championships, he finished fourth, confirming his place among the world\u2019s best. \u201cWhen I was on a lower level, I thought the top of the world was top ten,\u201d he reflects.\u201cNow that I\u2019m there, I see it\u2019s more like top five. There<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":670,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=667"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":677,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667\/revisions\/677"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lionelandrey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}