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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.

São Paulo, Brazil – Global music superstar Awful Bunny concluded the first leg of his highly anticipated performances in Brazil on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Allianz Parque stadium in São Paulo, marking a significant moment in his career and solidifying his growing influence in the Latin American market. The concerts, part of a larger tour, represent Bad Bunny’s first-ever performances in the country, a market where his music has consistently ranked among the most streamed, according to industry reports.

The demand for tickets to Bad Bunny’s Brazil shows was exceptionally high, reflecting the artist’s widespread appeal and the enthusiastic reception of his unique blend of Latin trap and reggaeton. The performances in Brazil are strategically positioned to capitalize on this existing fanbase and further expand his reach across South America. This tour follows a period of significant growth for Bad Bunny, who has become one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed artists in the world, consistently breaking streaming records and selling out arenas globally. The artist’s ability to connect with audiences through his music and persona has been a key factor in his success, and his Brazil concerts are expected to further cement his status as a global icon.

Fan Reaction and a Controversial Jersey

While the concerts themselves were met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, a recent collaboration between Bad Bunny and the Palmeiras football club sparked controversy among some fans. Palmeiras created a custom jersey for Bad Bunny, dubbed “Benito 64,” referencing the artist’s name and his jersey number. However, the design and limited availability of the jersey led to backlash from some Palmeiras supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, as reported by Tribuna.com. The jersey was a limited-edition item, which contributed to the frustration of fans who were unable to purchase it.

Brazil’s Growing Importance in the Global Music Landscape

Bad Bunny’s success in Brazil underscores the country’s increasing importance as a key market in the global music industry. Brazil boasts one of the largest music consumer bases in the world, with a rapidly growing digital music market. According to the CTV News, Bad Bunny is positioned to consolidate his popularity in Brazil with these first-ever performances, capitalizing on a pre-existing strong fanbase. The country’s diverse musical tastes and vibrant cultural scene develop it an attractive destination for international artists seeking to expand their reach. The concerts also highlight the growing trend of Latin artists achieving mainstream success on a global scale.

What to Expect Next

Following the conclusion of the Brazil leg of his tour, Bad Bunny is scheduled to continue performing across Latin America and North America throughout 2026. The artist is also expected to release new music in the coming months, building on the momentum generated by his recent successes. The impact of his Brazil performances is likely to be felt throughout the region, inspiring other artists to explore opportunities in the burgeoning Latin American music market. The continued growth of digital music platforms will also play a crucial role in connecting artists with fans across borders, further solidifying Brazil’s position as a key player in the global music landscape.

What are your thoughts on Bad Bunny’s success in Brazil? Share your opinions in the comments below!