Many Olympians train for years, sacrificing their time and energy to win a medal. For some, winning a medal is a life-changing event. It can open up opportunities and bring fame and fortune. But not all Olympians are driven by such rewards.
On August 22, 2016, Piotr Malachowski of Poland won the silver medal in the men’s discus throw at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Less than two weeks later, he did something even more remarkable: he donated his medal to help defray the costs of cancer treatments for a 3-year-old boy.
Three-year-old Olek Kosecki has been diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. His family had been struggling to come up with the money for his life-saving treatment, so Malachowski decided to sell his medal to help them out.
“When I saw Olek’s photos for the first time, I was deeply moved,” Malachowski said. “I decided then and there that I would find a way to help him.”
He also encouraged his fans to donate money to the family and set up a fund-raising page on polish website Siepomaga.
“I know what it’s like to fight for something,” Malachowski said. “I also know that Olek will not give up. I am sure he will win this battle.”
Malachowski isn’t the only one who has gone above and beyond to help Olek. His story has touched people worldwide, and a GoFundMe page for him has raised over $130,000.
“I am overwhelmed by the support Olek has received,” Malachowski said. “It shows there are still good people in this world willing to help others in need.”
Malachowski’s act of kindness has been praised by people worldwide, including Olek’s parents. “We are extremely touched by what Piotr has done for our son,” they said in a statement. “His selflessness is an inspiration to us all.”
Malachowski has said that he hopes his story will inspire others to help those in need. “I hope my example will inspire others to follow suit,” he said. “We mustn’t forget that there are people who need our help much more than we do.”
The Olypic History of Piotr Malachowski
Piotr Malachowski is a Polish discus thrower. He is the current Olympic champion, having won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Malachowski also holds a personal best throw throw of 73.88 metres that ranks him fifth in all-time longest discuss throws.
Born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Malachowski began competing in athletics at a young age. He first represented his country at the World Championships in Athletics in 2005, finishing ninth in the discus throw final. He competed at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, finishing sixth and seventh, respectively.
Malachowski’s breakthrough year came in 2013 when he won the silver medal at the World Championships in Athletics. He followed this up with a gold medal at the 2014 European Championships, setting a new championship record.
Malachowski finally won Olympic gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics with a throw of 69.21 meters. This made him the first Polish athlete to win an Olympic medal in the discus throw.
Malachowski is also a two-time world champion in the discus throw, having won the gold medal at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships.
The inspiring story of Piotr Malachowski and Olek Szymanski is a reminder of the good that can be done when people come together to help those in need. It also serves as an example of how one person’s act of kindness can make a difference in the lives of others. This act of kindness inspires others to give more because every act of giving helps make the world a better place.
Athletes are often looked up to as role models, and Malachowski’s act of donating his medal to help a young boy in need is a shining example of the good that they can do. This story will surely inspire other athletes and people worldwide to do acts of kindness of their own.
