Grzegorz Zengota: there are people who trusted me (interview)

About the starting number, sold motocross equipment, motivation after injury, parachute jump, and comparing gold medals won in Zielona Góra and Leszno.

Interview with Grzegorz Zengota, a rider for FOGO UNIA Leszno, conducted by Mikołaj Południak, a student of class III e at III Liceum Ogólnokształcące in Bydgoszcz named after Adam Mickiewicz, created as part of the SPEEDWAY YOUNG JOURNALIST ACADEMY.

Mikołaj Południak: – You mentioned in an interview for Tygodnik Żużlowy that success loves silence, referring to media contacts. Do you think this attitude has positively affected your career?

Grzegorz Zengota: – I think so, in a way, at least for some time I understood that the less you talk and the more you do, it has a better effect, and it suits me, so yes, I believe it definitely had an impact.

Can you give any examples of the positive influence of this attitude?

It doesn’t build pressure because when you talk a lot or promise something, expectations grow significantly. People who hear it then hold you accountable, so it’s unnecessary pressure that hinders the realization of your own internal plans.

Does it reduce stress for the athlete as well as pressure from the fans?

Yes, sports at this level, which we can say is the highest, mean that mental approach to certain things plays a key role. I believe we have “maxed-out” equipment, and sometimes it’s hard to extract more from it. Skills as well. I think there are undiscovered areas of extra energy, and you can look for more in mental attitude. I believe it’s crucial precisely at this highest level. And from the perspective of time and years of racing, I’ve had different stages in my life. Boastfully, let’s say, I would announce that I want to change something, achieve something, this or that, and then I was often disappointed by the failure, so with time and sport maturity, I believe silence is definitively healthier here, being focused on your duties, tasks that bring you closer to achieving planned goals, where we take care of it ourselves, work for it without boastful announcements, it’s more beneficial.

What is behind your racing number?

The number “29” is my mother’s birthday, and also mine, so this number has been recurring in me since childhood, and it remained so.

In addition to speedway and motocross, do you watch other motorsports?

Motocross is part of motorsports, and many of us use this form for season preparation. I did too until I got injured, and now I’m less involved because I sold all my equipment so I wouldn’t be tempted. Yes, when there are championships, I might watch and follow, but I’m not overly fanatic.

Since we’re on the topic of your injury, what factors, people, or events helped you most in rehabilitation?

Definitely the support of my fiancée Kaja, who was with me through this difficult period. This support certainly motivated me to act. I also met many people who really wanted to help me in my recovery, but I wouldn’t want to miss any names, as there were many people indeed. If I were to mention everyone here, my answer would be quite long. But yes, I must admit, I wasn’t alone; I had many people supporting me who devoted their private time, sitting with me by the hospital bed and providing support when my leg was not in the best condition. I respect these people, remember them fondly, and often keep in contact with them to this day, even though I’ve returned to the track and don’t use rehabilitation or medical services as intensively.

Do you think you can maintain these contacts throughout your life?

Of course, you get to know people during tough times, and when someone offers such heart and dedication, you feel uplifted and motivated. I thank them, because it gave me wings in that fight and uplifted me during moments of crisis and doubt.

In 2020, you fulfilled a dream of parachute jumping. What other dreams do you have?

Yes, the tandem parachute jump was an amazing experience – a gift from my fiancée. In a way, it was overcoming certain patterns because it happened shortly after my injury. I hadn’t returned to the track yet, but I decided to overcome fears of returning. I recommend it; there’s a lot of stress, but you need to experience it to understand it.

It seems your fiancée plays a significant role in your life, helping you overcome both physical and mental limits.

We’ve been together for six years, and we’ve gone through difficult times because my injury was tough for us, but we survived. After returning to the track, we faced personal challenges, but we endured. I’m glad we’re together, and we have a wonderful son, now two years old, who is truly our “star”.

What advice would you give to young speedway enthusiasts who want to follow in your footsteps?

Perseverance and patience, not being afraid of hard work, because if you want to climb the ladder to the top, it requires a lot of work, searching for your reserves, and making good, wise, sensible decisions, not necessarily based on financial gains. Sometimes I feel that should come last in the chain. I also wish these guys humility, as it’s a vital trait for an athlete. Full engagement and smiles to you.

Who inspired you the most to pursue a career in speedway?

My father instilled a love for motorcycles in me, as he loved them too and couldn’t not share that with his children, including me and my brother. He also supported and watched speedway, so naturally, I always accompanied him. I owe him the most in making speedway my passion, loving motorcycles enough to ride with great pleasure and desire, despite injuries. There’s nothing more fulfilling than doing what you love because you wake up each day with a smile, motivated to act and break down barriers we sometimes face in life.

As a Falubaz Zielona Góra trainee, with which club did you feel better winning the Polish Team Championship – Falubaz or Unia Leszno?

Every period has its fond memories. Winning the title with Zielona Góra was the first, so it had a special flavor, especially after many years.With Unia Leszno, it was a time of good fortune; it was a fantastic moment for me, and I feel great in Leszno, where they love me for who I am and trust me. I’m glad to ride for fans in Leszno as you can’t buy that; you have to live and feel it on your skin.

I assume that the support from Unia Leszno’s fans and motivation from the team makes you feel at home?

Yes, Leszno is my sporting home, I feel fantastic there and I’m glad I was able to return to Unia and Leszno after my challenging sports journeys, as it’s the best environment where I feel at ease – like home.

What moment in your career do you consider the most pivotal? Was it a particular win, contract, or specific events?

It was in a sense my return to the track post-injury; that was a breakthrough for me. For a long, it was unknown if I would return to normal life or even race. That transition, proving to myself that I could still ride, was important. The difficulties survived, and then the fact that I could win, returning to PGE Ekstraliga, were pivotal moments.

What are the most common holiday traditions in your home?

I think, like in every home, there must be beetroot soup with dumplings, sweet dishes, pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms, so traditions are similar. There’s a Christmas tree, gifts for children, so we don’t differ much from a traditional Polish home.

We talked about your son’s birth, and you said the best gift was news of becoming a father. What did you feel then?

When Natek (Nathan) was born, it was something beautiful, and I wish every dad to experience that and be in those birth moments because it’s amazing. Holding him, hugging him was truly heartwarming. At times, I regret not being able to spend more time with him due to duties, matches, training, and recovery… but that’s the life of an athlete.

If we’re on this topic, are there significant differences during the holiday season for you, and are there any barriers?

Each of us, to a certain extent, adheres to internal restraints. We can’t overeat, as it’s not advised for athletes. Over a few days, one is tempted by various treats. I have a weakness for delicious cakes. And cakes are abundant, so sometimes I have to keep, as they say, a hand on the pulse. In our discipline, we have to watch our weight, as we are accountable and want the motorcycle to carry the least weight.

What cake or other sweets tempt you the most during this time?

It depends on what’s on the table – whether it’s karpatka, cheesecake, or apple pie. There aren’t many cakes I don’t like. I don’t like store-bought ones, but I enjoy homemade pastries.

And speaking of cheesecake: with or without raisins? An eternal question…

Raisins don’t bother me much, but if I were to choose, probably without raisins.

When you recall childhood holidays, do you think your child spends them similarly now?

Everything lies ahead for my son. He’s just starting to participate more consciously. I strive to build that awareness in the best way to create the best memories for him. I hope he realizes someday it was a good time, which I wish for myself as a father.

I understand; it seems most important during this period. It was really great talking with you.

Same with you. And all the best in your journalistic pursuits.

Thank you very much.

Interview by: Mikołaj Południak