Polish President Karol Nawrocki attended the opening of the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo last week, using the international stage to discuss Poland’s potential bid to host the games in the future. The trip comes as Poland prepares to create a case for hosting either the 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympics, though Nawrocki indicated a willingness to consider an earlier timeline.
During a meeting with International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry on Saturday, Nawrocki “clearly emphasized that Poland is ready to apply to host the Olympic Games in 2036 – and that this is a joint position of the President of the Republic of Poland and the Polish government,” according to Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the President’s Chancellery. The meeting, which as well included Polish Olympic Committee President Radosław Piesiewicz, took place as the first medals were awarded at the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Games. Details of the discussion were reported by Polish television network TVP Sport.
Nawrocki’s appearance at the Olympics wasn’t limited to diplomatic meetings. He was photographed with Polish athletes, images of which circulated widely online. He also drew attention for his attire, sporting a cap and t-shirt emblazoned with the logo “NOWROCKY” – a clear nod to his surname and his past as a boxer.
This isn’t the first time the president has been seen in the branded apparel. He wore the same cap in January while attending a ski jumping World Cup event in Zakopane, and again while cutting down a Christmas tree before the holidays. In December, he posed for social media photos working out with weights while wearing a NOWROCKY branded sweatshirt. The clothing was also a visible part of his presidential campaign.
