People all around the world developed different ways of starting the everyday conversations. The British people talk about the weather, some ask, how the other person is doing. In Poland the most popular phrase beginning the conversation between people is "Did you see, how Małysz jumped?". The only possible answer to such question is "Yes, of course!". Few years ago he was the best ski jumper in the world. All Poles would spend hours sitting in front of the TV and watching Adam jump. We got used to the fact that he was the winner. Adam's fans started to expect him to be the winner for ever.
Adam Małysz was called the phenomenal jumper. Thousands of people got to know his name, his face and the way he speaks. They started to follow him, they wanted to know everything not only about his jumping, but also about his private life. On the market there appeared thousands of different gadgets with Adam's face. People started to wear t-shirts with his photos, many kids collected articles about him, his photos. Numerous men changed their hair-do into the one similar to Małysz's.
Moreover, the Poles started to be very proud of Adam's achievements. He became the reason for pride of the whole nation. Anytime Adam jumped, the Poles would sit in front of their TV sets and watch him. People were so excited, that they screamed and were extremely happy when Adam won. The streets were empty when the competitions in jumping took place. People organized their work and leisure so as to have time to watch Adam jump.
In my opinion, the fascination with Małysz was a little bit exaggerated. We started to expect too much from him. We wanted him to win, because we felt it was also our national victory. I think that we have to remember that Adam is a very good ski jumper, but he is only a person and may have his bad days. Moreover, no sportsman can be the best for ever. Adam used to the winner, and now he is simply one of the many great jumpers.
Monika Gruszczyńska
