But you did not end up as a speed skater? Why?

As every young person living at the feet of Tatras, I was really fascinated by these mountains and tried to spend as much time there as I could. Being a professional athlete did not allow me to do it that often, so finally, around 1999, practically overnight, I decided to end my skating career. Winter was coming and I wanted to ski everyday. One thing that I did not think of, was the fact that not being a speed skater also meant not getting any money from sports scholarships, grants and general state support for athletes. 

Fortunately stars aligned for me, and there was a job post available at the weather observing station on Kasprowy Wierch. The idea to work in the mountains and be there nearly every day was very tempting. I had to get a job, went for it and never looked back. It was a pure coincidence, so I must say I am a lucky guy. Generally speaking, if anything bad ever happened to me, it was never the fault of any objective circumstances, but always the effect of my own irresponsible actions (laughter).