Poland has set its sights on hosting the Summer Olympics for the first time, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk announcing the country’s ambition to bid for either the 2040 or 2044 Games. Tusk made the declaration during a visit to a sports field in Karczew, south of Warsaw, where young athletes were engaged in football training.
While acknowledging the ambitious nature of this endeavor, Tusk expressed confidence based on the initial decisions and commitments from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He dedicated the decision to Poland’s youth, stating, “I dedicate this decision to today’s 10, 12, 15-year-olds that Poland will formally make efforts to organize the Olympic Games.”
In line with this ambitious goal, Tusk promised investments to modernize and expand youth sports training facilities across the country. The 67-year-old premier, an avid soccer enthusiast himself, emphasized his commitment to turning this dream into a reality, although he humorously acknowledged he might not be running on the field when the Olympics potentially come to Poland.
Tusk’s announcement comes in the wake of Poland’s relatively disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the nation secured only one gold medal, a stark contrast to their 10-medal haul in 2012. The country’s overall position at the 2024 Games marked their worst performance since 1956.
While Poland has yet to host a Winter Olympics, they co-hosted the 2012 European Championship with Ukraine. Slawomir Nitras, Poland’s Sports Minister, echoed Tusk’s sentiment, stating, “I saw the Games in Paris and I can say that from the organizational side we are able to organize such an event. I think Polish sport is waiting for it.”
The road to hosting the Olympics is a long and complex one, but Poland’s commitment to youth sports development and their desire to stage a successful Games suggest they are prepared to make a strong bid for the 2040 or 2044 Games.
