Author: Ewa Kempka
Iwona Marcinkiewicz understands sport from a perspective few can claim. As an Olympic bronze medallist in archery from the 1996 Atlanta Games team competition, she experienced the pinnacle of elite performance and was honoured with the Silver Cross of Merit in the same year. Dedication, discipline and consistency shaped her journey as an athlete, values that continue to guide her today.
Nearly three decades later, Marcinkiewicz remains deeply connected to the sporting world, though her role has evolved. Now working within the Polish Judo Association, she was among those ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes at the Warsaw European Open 2026. Moving from the competition arena to the organisational side of sport has given her a new mission, that is to supporting the next generation.
From archery to judo. How does it feel to watch sport from a completely different perspective?
Iwona Marcinkiewicz: “I have been working in sport ‘on the other side’ for many years now and I truly enjoy it. In a way, I feel that I am paying back a debt. When I was still competing, a whole team of people worked hard to make sure we had everything we needed during training, competitions and travel. Now I have the opportunity to give something back through similar work for younger athletes and support them on their path to success.”
For Marcinkiewicz, the transition has brought a deeper appreciation for the invisible network that sustains elite sport. What once happened quietly in the background now forms the centre of her daily work. Watching judo athletes compete offers her a fresh perspective but the qualities she admires remain universal across disciplines.
When you watch judo, which qualities of the athletes stand out to you the most?
IM: “Above all their determination, fighting spirit, resilience to pain and very strong mentality.”
Despite the different nature of archery and judo, the psychological demands and inner strength required to succeed are strikingly similar. These are the traits Marcinkiewicz recognises immediately, regardless of the sport.
Having lived the life of a high-performance athlete herself, she also understands the pressures modern competitors face, particularly in an era where athletes often share their lives publicly.
How important do you think it is for athletes from different sports to support and inspire one another?
IM: “I believe it is very important. Nowadays athletes often share their sporting and private lives on social media in real time. This can be quite demanding because reality is not always easy. In more difficult moments, what is really needed is quiet and support and athletes experience such moments just as often as anyone else.”
Her perspective is one shaped not only by medals but by experience. She knows that the path to success is rarely straightforward and that resilience often grows in the unseen moments between competitions. That understanding also guides the message she shares with the young athletes competing in Warsaw.
Finally, what advice would you give to young athletes watching these competitions and dreaming of competing at the Olympic Games one day?
IM: “Never give up, pursue your dreams despite everything, and most importantly enjoy the sport. Young athletes may not realise it yet but the journey in sport often becomes one of the most beautiful memories they will carry throughout their lives.”
From standing on the Olympic podium to working quietly behind the scenes of international competitions, Marcinkiewicz’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to sport. Today, instead of chasing medals herself, she helps create the environment where others can pursue their own dreams.
Author: EJU Media