A young Polish ski jumper, Kacper Tomasiak, publicly expressed his gratitude for his recent Olympic success by laying his silver and bronze medals on the altar of a church, a gesture that has resonated throughout Poland and beyond.
Tomasiak, 19, became the first ski jumper from Poland to win three medals at a single Olympic Games during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Following his initial victories, he requested a special Thanksgiving Mass with Father Edward Plen, the Olympic Chaplain. During the service, he placed the medals he had already won – a silver and a bronze – on the altar.
“Kacper came to me and said it would be good to thank God for these medals,” Father Plen told OSV News. “…It was very moving. I said that the most beautiful thanksgiving for a medal is when the medals are placed on the altar and during the elevation — God himself comes to that altar, and looks not only at those medals, but above all at Kacper’s beautiful, pure heart.”
Remarkably, the day after the Thanksgiving Mass, Tomasiak secured another silver medal, adding to his growing collection. His faith has been visibly demonstrated throughout the Games, with Tomasiak making the sign of the cross before each jump.
Father Plen highlighted Tomasiak’s humility and dedication to self-improvement, drawing a comparison to Pope John Paul II’s teachings on developing natural human abilities. “He has received many talents from God and has not buried any of them,” Father Plen said. “He develops them. But he understands these successes as a task and a commitment for himself.”
Tomasiak’s devotion extends beyond the Olympic arena; he also serves as an altar boy and maintains a close connection with his home parish. Father Marcin Alesky, the parish priest, noted the inspiration Tomasiak provides to young people in the community. “He is an example that belonging to the Church and being active in it do not contradict daily life or even achieving such success,” Father Alesky said. “For many young people, that is important.”
The Polish ski-jumping team has enjoyed success at the 2026 Olympics, with a duo also winning a silver medal, according to TVP World. Tomasiak’s individual achievements and public display of faith have further amplified the team’s positive impact within Poland.
