Anastazja Kuś, a rising star in Polish athletics, has made headlines after winning a silver medal in the women's 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. The 17-year-old athlete not only became the youngest Polish medalist in the history of the event but also showcased her exceptional talent on an international stage.
The Polish relay team, initially not set to compete in Nanjing, received a last-minute invitation from World Athletics. This unexpected opportunity arose after other teams withdrew from the competition. "It was a big surprise because I was supposed to finish my season after the European Championships and had stopped training," Kuś explained. Nevertheless, the team decided to participate, a choice that proved to be fortuitous.
In the relay race, the Polish team finished with a time of 3:32.05, securing second place behind the USA, who won gold with a time of 3:27.45. Australia claimed the bronze medal. The relay squad consisted of seasoned runner Justyna Święty-Ersetic, who ran the first leg, followed by Aleksandra Formella, Kuś, and Anna Gryc. Each member played a crucial role in maintaining their position throughout the race.
Reflecting on her performance, Kuś said, "I’m very happy that I had the chance to run in the relay. This indoor season has been intense. I primarily competed against senior athletes, which is a significant achievement. I also won a bronze medal at the Polish Championships. I hope to continue pushing my limits this summer and show that even young athletes can achieve great titles."
Kuś’s journey in athletics has been remarkable. Last year, she became the European U18 champion and set a Polish record in the 400m with a time of 51.89. This year, she improved her personal bests in both the 200m (24.28) and 400m (53.20) during the indoor season, further cementing her status as a formidable competitor in the sport.
"I think this medal has taught me a lot. I’ve already been to my first World Championships and seen how everything works from the inside. I believe that at future European or World events, I will feel more confident. I know what it takes to win a medal, and I hope that more titles – both individual and team – will come easier now," she noted.
Despite her young age, Kuś has already faced the pressures that come with success. "Everyone says that failures teach the most, but successes can also provide valuable lessons. I’m learning to manage the expectations that come with being a young athlete in the spotlight. Some people love me; others hate me. I think it’s because I stand out and am different from everyone else," she remarked, highlighting the duality of fame.
Looking ahead, Kuś has ambitious plans for her athletic career. She aims to balance her participation in both senior and junior competitions, hoping to improve her personal best in the 400m. "Everything depends on the training cycle. Every personal record will make me happy because breaking the 52-second barrier is a significant milestone. I want to compete in senior events individually, but I know that will come in time," she said.
Kuś’s aspirations extend beyond athletics. She expressed a desire to explore modeling and other passions, recognizing the importance of building her personal brand in the sport. "I want to achieve the highest accolades as quickly as possible and then pursue my other interests. Building a personal brand is crucial in sports because it makes us more recognizable and attracts people to athletics," she stated.
As the youngest athlete in the Polish 4x400m relay team, Kuś has quickly become a role model for younger athletes. With nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram, she embraces the responsibility of inspiring others. "I like that I can inspire young people. I show that age is just a number and that dreams can be fulfilled at any age," she said.
Despite the pressures of fame, Kuś remains focused on her training and goals. She plans to begin preparations for the summer season shortly after returning from Nanjing. The Polish relay team will start training in Tenerife on April 4, 2025, as they gear up for the World Athletics Relays, a qualifying event for the World Championships scheduled for September 2025 in Tokyo.
With her talent, determination, and a clear vision for her future, Anastazja Kuś is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of athletics. Her historic achievements at such a young age signal the beginning of what could be a brilliant career.
