“We already know that we’ve managed to bring together a truly remarkable group of athletes in one place, ensuring a high level of competition. The entry lists include current European and world champions, as well as Olympic medalists,” says Sebastian Chmara, vice president of the Polish Athletics Association.
Among those coming to Łódź are outstanding sprinters, including Marcell Jacobs (Italy), the Olympic champion in the 100-meter dash at the Tokyo Games, and Megan Tapper (Jamaica), who won the bronze medal in the 100-meter dash in Tokyo.
– There will also be a number of other world-class stars, such as last year’s 60-meter winner in Łódź, American Michael Rodgers; the Olympic pole vault champion from Rio de Janeiro, Thiago Braz; the European indoor shot put champion from Toruń, Czech athlete Tomas Stanek; the silver medalist in the 110-meter hurdles from Rio, Spain’s Orlando Ortega, and the fantastic American sprinter Dezerea Bryant,” adds Chmara.
Polish champions will also be appearing before the crowd at Łódź’s Atlas Arena. Among those who have already confirmed their participation are the outstanding pole vaulters Piotr Lisek, Paweł Wojciechowski, and Robert Sobera; shot putters Michał Haratyk and Konrad Bukowiecki; Poland’s fastest female sprinter, Ewa Swoboda; and hurdler Damian Czykier.
“The Atlas Arena in Łódź isn’t your typical track and field stadium, but I really enjoy competing there. It’s on home turf, and besides, it’s a large and beautiful venue with a responsive track surface. I remember the Atlas Arena as a stadium packed to the brim with fans. The cheering from the stands helped me achieve good results. In fact, that’s where I ran the second-best time of my career,” says Czykier.
The meet at Atlas Arena will take place on February 11. Men will compete in the 60-meter dash, 60-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, and pole vault, while women will also compete in the 60-meter dash and 60-meter hurdles. The Orlen Cup Łódź 2022 is supported by PKN ORLEN and 4F, as well as the city of Łódź and the Łódź Province.
