Olympic windsurfer, winner of bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympics, Zofia Klepacka visited Cyprus recently and was honored by the Cyprus Tourist Organization for her altruism and for her hard work in promoting the island abroad.
Klepacka, who auctioned her bronze medal in order to help her 5-year-old girl Zuzia, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, is no stranger to Cyprus. The 26-year old Polish, who is married to the Argentinean competitive sailor Lucio Noceti, comes to the island at least three times per year for training purposes.
CNA met Klepacka recently and the 26-year-old Klepacka shared her ambitions and dreams and told us how she decided to auction her bronze medal. Little Zuzia’s mother was also in Cyprus and told CNA that no words can describe her feelings towards Klepacka. With teary eyes she said that what Klepacka has done for her daughter is the greatest gift ever.
The athlete herself does not like to be referred to as a heroine. The athletes’ job does not finish on the field, she says. “We need to act as role models and inspire young generations”, she added. Klepacka admits that it crossed her minds many times to quit because she felt she had no incentive, no potential. “The thought that I could win a medal to save Zuzia’s life , gave me strength to continue”, the Olympian said.
The medal was sold for 25.000 euro, noting that Zuzia’s treatment costs 1.000 euro per month.
Asked about her future plans, Klepacka said that she will discuss with her coach and manager whether she will continue competing in windsurfing or will swap to kitesurfing, clarifying that a decision is still pending as to whether the game will be included in the Rio Olympics of 2016.
Klepacka said that she will be visiting Cyprus again in December and January for training, saying that she might stay on until March. The athlete said that the coastal cities of Limassol and Ayia Napa are ideal for windsurfing, adding that the whole of the island is a great spot for both windsurfing and kitesurfing.
“The island is perfect for training, we can train in the sea, we can go jogging and swim all year round, in Cyprus I feel like home”, she noted.
Poland’s ambassador to Cyprus Pawel Dobrowolski, described the athlete as a heroine, noting that not many people take a decision to auction their Olympic medal to help others.