Artur Was

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Reason for choosing this sport	He was a spectator at the 1997 World Single Distance Championships in Warsaw, Poland. He enjoyed the atmosphere at the event and decided he would like to try the sport for himself.
When and where did you begin this sport?	He took up the sport in 1997 in Warsaw, Poland.

Other information	RETIREMENT He announced his retirement from speed skating following the conclusion of the 2019/20 season. In January 2021 he was appointed assistant coach of the Polish men's speed skating team. "For the last few months I have been wondering what I want to do next in my professional life. The longer I thought about it, the more convinced I became that I wanted to stay in sport. This offer fell from heaven to me. I thought it was great to try a new role. I have always had the inner belief that I can be a better coach than an athlete, so now I have an opportunity to check it out." (pzls.pl, 05 Jan 2021) DIFFICULT TIMES Following the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, he moved to Milwaukee, WI, United States of America. Although he continued to skate occasionally, he began to lose enthusiasm for the sport. He went through a difficult period in his life before returning to full-time skating in 2010. "I had too many plans and could not focus on any of them. At the end of that period I caught myself broke, depressed and drinking beer at 10:00 in a dark basement. I did meet a lot of amazing people that helped and inspired me to dream big. I guess you could call it a purpose redefining time in my life." (doandroidsdance.com, 15 Feb 2014; Athlete, 04 Dec 2011) DRUM AND BASS He is a drum and bass fan and has produced the genre of music under the name Voima. "I forget myself, forget about my problems and practise concentration and being in the zone." (doandroidsdance.com, 15 Feb 2014)
Sporting philosophy / motto	"Become the best athlete you can be." (Athlete, 14 Dec 2012)
Injuries	His performances during the 2012/13 season were affected by a back injury. (sportowefakty.pl, 26 Mar 2013)
Nicknames	Wasiu, Lubi Lubricatio, Pan Toster. (kiaspeedskatingacademy.com, 28 Jan 2012)
Hobbies	Photography, cinematography, music. (Facebook page, 11 Jul 2020)
Hero / Idol	Canadian speed skater Jeremy Wotherspoon. (arturwas.pl, 21 Apr 2017)