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Sports
A Dual Success
- The coach's dedication, the University's support and the motivation I draw from having TKK Toruń Pacific as a sponsor are the key factors behind this success - said Natalia Krześlak, the World University Cycling Champion and a recent graduate of the Nicolaus Copernicus University, at a press conference. During the competition, which took place on 25–29 June in China, the Polish representative confidently beat her rivals in the mass-start race and added a silver medal in the individual time trial to her medal haul.
The press conference, which took place on 15 July at the Nicolaus Copernicus University Sports Centre, provided an opportunity to celebrate the success of Natalia Krześlak, who won the title of Academic World Champion in cycling. On the challenging road race course, stretching almost 100 km, the TKK Toruń Pacific rider proved unbeatable and outclassed her rivals in the mass-start race. Natalia also brought home a silver medal from Zhangjiakou, China, which she won in the individual time trial. In this 20.6 km event, the rider from Toruń came very close to winning gold – the winner, Danna Yiman from China, was just 2.5 seconds faster.
During a press conference, Natalia Krześlak emphasised that this year's race had been a tough test of their physical endurance. The race took place at an altitude of 1,400 metres above sea level, where oxygen levels are significantly lower. The high humidity also posed a major challenge. - The conditions in which we competed can be compared to an intense training session in a steam sauna whilst wearing a face mask - admitted Natalia. - A competition like this required a great deal of preparation on our part.
The TKK Toruń Pacific contestant pointed out that the opportunity to combine professional sport with her studies – namely, taking part in the university's Dual Career Programme – was particularly important to her on her path to success. This unique initiative enables student-athletes to successfully achieve further qualifications – both in their sporting disciplines and in higher education.
I owe my sporting and academic successes first and foremost to the professor of my life – my coach – because he encouraged me and motivated me to work hard and persevere every day - said Natalia Krześlak. – I want to emphasise that my aim is to change the academic community's perception of athletes. We are ambitious and have the strength within us to develop in various fields, because nowadays, the power of the mind is crucial.
The development of a programme tailored to the needs of young student-athletes representing a variety of sports is made possible by the university's close cooperation with sports clubs, with the support of the city and voivodeship authorities. The dynamic development of the student-athlete pathway at the Nicolaus Copernicus University was also discussed by dr habil. Monika Wałachowska, NCU Prof. and Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education:
An analysis of data from 2018–2026 shows that our university provides a supportive environment for students who, in addition to broadening their knowledge, wish to develop their sporting talents. We can see a growing trend in interest in the Dual Career Programme, with the number of participants increasing proportionally each year. In the programme's first year at the Nicolaus Copernicus University, we had 38 participants, whilst in the past academic year the figure rose to 127.
Natalia Krześlak has joined the ranks of participants in the Dual-Track Career Programme who can boast both international sporting successes and academic achievements. In addition to her recent medal-winning performances in China, Natalia has also earned a Master's degree – on 14 July, she successfully defended her thesis at the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management.
The conference was also attended by Monika Michniak, CEO of CPP Toruń Pacific, who pointed out that the company has been a strategic sponsor of the Toruń-based "Pacific" cycling club for over 30 years and proudly supports the female riders as they strive to achieve further ambitious goals. Coach Leszek Szyszkowski also made no secret of his pride in the achievements of Natalia and the rest of his charges.
- Millions practise this sport, but it is Toruń that has welcomed the World Champion title - remarked Coach Leszek Szyszkowski.
Marek Leśniewski, President of the Polish Cycling Federation, and Jarosław Szczepanowski, PR Manager at Cereal Partners Poland Toruń, also joined in offering their congratulations and words of appreciation for Natalia's historic success.
