My Path to Athletic Excellence
I began swimming at age 7 with UKS Omega Olkusz in Poland, competing in national junior championships and international meets in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. At 15, I moved to Kraków to join UKS SMS Galicja Kraków, earning four medals in Polish junior nationals, including two golds. I also competed internationally in Sweden and Slovakia, and trained in Bulgaria, Spain, and Tenerife. At 19, I received an athletic scholarship from Bethel University in McKenzie, TN, where I became the Mid-South Conference champion in the 400-yard individual medley and placed third at the NAIA National Championships. I was named Freshman and Swimmer of the Year at Bethel. I then transferred to Saint Bonaventure University, achieving a fifth-place finish in the 1650-yard freestyle at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships and contributing to the team’s third-place finish in 2024. Now a senior, I am eager to compete for a conference title.
Saint Bonaventure University
NCAA Division 1 Swimming & Diving
After completing my freshman year at Bethel University, I decided to enter the transfer portal in search of greater challenges. My hard work during a successful season paid off, and I received an athletic scholarship to compete at a Division 1 school—Saint Bonaventure University—where I’ve been swimming ever since.
My sophomore year, my first at Saint Bonaventure, was a strong start. I placed 5th in the 1650 freestyle, 6th in the 800 free relay, and qualified for two B finals in the 400 IM and 500 freestyle, earning points for my team in all these events. My contributions helped our men’s team secure 6th place at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference Championships.
Junior year was another solid season. I placed 10th in the 1650 freestyle, adding valuable points to the team’s total. Our men’s team achieved an impressive 3rd place at the 2024 Atlantic 10 Conference Championships, narrowly missing the runner-up position.
Now, as a senior, I’m preparing for the 2025 Atlantic 10 Conference Championships—my final competition at Saint Bonaventure and the conclusion of my swimming career. Our team is looking strong this season, and in February, we will give everything we have to bring the championship title back to Saint Bonaventure for the first time in 11 years.
Bethel University
NAIA Swimming & Diving
After spending four years at a swimming boarding school in Krakow, where I honed my athletic abilities, my exceptional performances earned me an athletic scholarship to Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. Transitioning to life so far from home was a significant challenge, but I embraced it wholeheartedly.
Despite the initial struggles of adapting to a new environment, my freshman year proved to be an outstanding one in the pool. I achieved a major milestone by winning the 2022 Mid-South Conference Championship in the 400 IM and securing 3rd place at the 2022 NAIA Nationals in the 1650 freestyle.
Fueled by a desire for greater challenges and growth, I decided to enter the transfer portal after this remarkable season to pursue new opportunities at the Division I level.
School of Sports Championship Krakow
High School Swimming
At the age of 15, I made the bold decision to move away from my hometown to continue my swimming career at a boarding swimming school in Krakow, joining UKS SMS Galicja Krakow. Leaving home at such a young age was challenging, but it proved to be one of the best decisions of my life. This move not only shaped me as an athlete but also laid the foundation for where I am today.
During my four years in Krakow, I achieved remarkable success in both individual and team events. I won four medals at the Polish Junior Nationals Championships, including a silver medal in the 2018 Polish Summer Junior National Championships for 16-year-olds in the 400 IM. Later that year, I earned two gold medals at the Polish Winter Junior National Championships for 16-year-olds in the 400 IM and 200 IM. In 2019, I added a bronze medal in the Polish Winter Junior National Championships for 17/18-year-olds in the 400 Freestyle Relay to my achievements. I also reached the finals of the Polish Winter Nationals Championships in 2019, solidifying my reputation as a competitive swimmer on the national stage.
My success extended beyond Poland, as my sports results earned me the opportunity to compete in international meets in Slovakia and Sweden. I also participated in high-level training trips in Bulgaria, Spain, and the Spanish island of Tenerife. Additionally, I was honored to be a sparring partner on Polish national Olympic training trips. These experiences broadened my horizons and significantly contributed to my development as an athlete.
After four transformative years in Krakow, I decided to take the next step in my swimming career by moving to the United States. My exceptional sports performances earned me an athletic scholarship to Bethel University, where I proudly signed my first contract to pursue my dreams.
UKS Omega Olkusz
Beginnings of Swimming Career
My passion for sports was instilled in me by my father, who taught me to swim from a very young age. Thanks to his guidance, I was noticed at the age of 7 by the coach of the local Omega Olkusz sports club, where I soon began training.
During my career with Omega Olkusz, I achieved significant milestones, reaching numerous finals at the Winter and Summer Polish Junior Championships. I competed there four times in total, proudly representing the club’s colors. While I never secured a medal, consistently finishing 4th or 5th and narrowly missing the podium, these experiences fueled my determination to improve.
My sports results at such a young age also earned me the opportunity to compete internationally in Slovakia and the Czech Republic and to participate in a memorable training trip to Italy. The wonderful career I built with Omega Olkusz motivated me to continue striving for excellence and ultimately led to my decision to further my swimming career at the boarding school in Krakow.
Double Polish Junior Champion
2018 Polish Winter Junior Nathional Championships 16 years old, Gorzów Wielkopolski
One of the most unforgettable moments in my swimming career came during the 2018 Polish Winter Junior National Championships for 16-year-olds in Gorzów Wielkopolski. Leading up to the competition, I faced unexpected challenges. Two weeks prior, I had been sick, unable to swim for a week, and on antibiotics. As a result, I entered the meet without major preparations and with tempered expectations.
On the first day, in the qualifiers for the 400-meter individual medley, I surprised myself by improving my personal record by 2 seconds, all without much effort. That moment gave me the confidence I needed, as it proved I was ready for the competition despite the setbacks. In the final later that day, I pushed myself even further, shaving an additional 7 seconds off my personal best to secure the victory and claim the title of Polish Junior Champion in the 400 IM—the first national championship win of my career.
The following day, I built on that success by winning the 200-meter individual medley, earning my second championship title of the meet. Additionally, I competed alongside my teammates in relay events, where we finished in the top 10 in Poland. My strong individual performances contributed significantly to my club’s success, helping UKS SMS Galicja Krakow win the overall team classification and be recognized as the best club in Poland for the 16-year-old category.
This competition was a turning point in my swimming career. It demonstrated the resilience I had developed and marked a major step toward pursuing my dreams, ultimately paving the way for my decision to continue my studies and swimming career in the United States.
My 500 Free Miscount Experience
2022 Mid-South Conference Championships
During the 500 free at the 2022 Mid-South Conference Championships, an unfortunate miscount disrupted the race. The official mistakenly rang the bell at the 400-yard mark instead of the correct 450-yard turn. Thinking the race was over, I, along with another swimmer, stopped, only to realize the error too late. I had been leading the race by about six seconds but ultimately finished 3rd in 4:40.15.
It was a frustrating experience, but I chose to focus on moving forward. My coach and teammates supported me, and I was determined to make up for it in the 400 IM and 1650 later in the meet. Moments like this remind me to stay resilient and keep pushing, no matter the circumstances.
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