In a few days, the next, fifth issue of AQUA SPEED Magazine will be released... This time, we will talk about childhood dreams, physical education, and a passion for sports. We couldn’t wait and are already publishing a special interview with Piotr Biankowski, who has taken on another extreme challenge – this time in New York. If you want to find out what little Piotruś dreamed of and whether big Piotrek has fulfilled those dreams... read this article!
Piotr Biankowski – From Childhood Dreams to New York – Media Sponsorship by AQUA SPEED Magazine!
What activities do you remember most fondly from physical education lessons? Was PE a dreaded obligation for you or the best class in the schedule?
Piotr Biankowski: I was a student at a sports school with a swimming profile, so from the very beginning, PE classes were mostly held at the pool. The training sessions, lasting 2 hours, took place daily, and swimming was alternated with general physical exercises. Thanks to that, I had the opportunity to learn other sports disciplines.
There was never any boredom, so I was eager to attend the classes. I never thought about skipping them. As far as I remember, I disliked running on the track at the stadium the most – and I still don’t like it to this day. I also remember that during the recruitment for the swimming class, I got a fever and forced my mom to let me attend despite being sick – I wanted it that much.
Funny enough, when I arrived at the pool, one of the coaches said that I didn’t have to come, as I would have been guaranteed a place anyway! Swimming was meant to be for me. [smiles]
Sport and Physical Activity for Children
From a hindsight perspective… do you think it would have been possible to swim across Loch Ness, the English Channel, and earlier the Ice Mile, and take on other extreme feats, if you hadn’t practiced sports since childhood?
PB: I think that in my case, being introduced to sports, competition, and learning what fatigue feels like during training as a child certainly contributed to me being able to take on such extreme challenges in my forties and prepare for them diligently. I also see with my friends, who are just starting their journey with swimming or other activities, that solid preparation and the right mindset allow them to achieve their goals. Therefore, I don’t think swimming from a young age is necessarily a determinant of success.
Sport Helps in Overcoming Adversity
Can physical activity and practicing sports help in overcoming adversity? If so, how?
PB: Practicing sports definitely helps in such situations. The matter is simple – the better shape we're in, the better we can handle unexpected situations. It also translates into better well-being. Time spent engaging in physical activity is time solely for ourselves, so we can disconnect from the real world for a moment, breathe, clear our minds, and feel the thrill.
I know that thanks to physical activity, I’ve become significantly stronger, I understand my body even better, and I know what I can push myself to do.
Piotr Biankowski's Advice
If you met little Piotruś as an adult Piotr, what advice would you give him? What would you say to your younger self?
PB: It’s going to be very simple: DON'T GIVE UP AND PURSUE WHAT YOU'VE SET OUT TO DO, even when it gets tough. Look for solutions in situations where it seems like there’s no way out, but most importantly, do what brings you the most joy, because you never know where life will take you. [smiles] Piotrek, have fun with sports.
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Interviewer: Maciej Mazerant / Editor-in-Chief of AQUA SPEED Magazine
This material was created as part of the media sponsorship of AQUA SPEED Magazine.
Photos courtesy of: Piotr Biankowski.
