They were just a second away from gold. WSG students are returning from the European Championships in Varese with a silver medal and the title of European runners-up in one of rowing’s most demanding events.
They were just a second away from gold. WSG students have returned from the European Rowing Championships in Varese with a silver medal and the title of European runners-up in one of the most demanding rowing events.
WSG students have once again proved that they are among the best in Europe. At the European Rowing Championships, which concluded on 2 August 2026 in Varese, Italy, the Polish team won the silver medal in the quadruple sculls event.
The Polish crew comprised WSG students Dominik Czaja, Mateusz Biskup and Konrad Domański, along with Mirosław Ziętarski from AZS UMK Toruń. This was the only medal won by the Polish national team at this year’s European Championships.
The Polish team were in superb form right from the start of the final. They quickly pulled away from the rest of the field and, for most of the 2,000-metre race, were locked in a close battle with the German team for the gold medal. The outcome was decided in the final 500 metres, during which the German crew managed to build up a slight lead. The Poles crossed the finish line in a time of 5:38.24, just 1.03 seconds behind the winners, comfortably securing the silver medal ahead of the Croatian team.
Just 1.03 seconds. That was all that stood between the Polish crew and the European title. In top-level competition, it is precisely such tiny margins that determine which metal is won. In the quadruple sculls, all four rowers must maintain perfect synchronisation throughout the race, combining strength, endurance and precision in every stroke. It is one of the most demanding rowing events, in which the tiniest details decide who makes it onto the podium.
This is not the first success on the international stage for our students. For years, they have been among the very best in the world, regularly winning medals at the European Championships, World Championships and the Olympic Games. The silver medal won in Varese is further proof of their calibre, consistency and sporting prowess. We warmly congratulate Dominik Czaja, Mateusz Biskup, Konrad Domański and Mirosław Ziętarski on their outstanding performance and wish them further success on international waters.
Fot. Julia Kowacic/ PZTW; Julia Wiśniewska
