ŻUŻEL/INTERVIEW/M2E: Marko Levishyn: I do everything within my power at 110 percent

AUTONA UNIA Tarnów after a difficult season secured promotion to METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga, and one of the architects of this success was Marko Levishyn. The Ukrainian speedway rider, who decided to stay with the club for another year, spoke during the team’s presentation with ekstraliga.pl about his preparations for the season, ambitious goals, and the exceptional support from Tarnów’s fans.

• Levishyn admitted that the past season was tough, but he believes the club’s management has managed to lay better foundations for the future.
• Although he is focusing on the Polish league this season, he does not rule out joining teams from Denmark or Sweden during the competition.
• Whether I was 23 or 21, I always had the same ambitions – said Marko Levishyn about ending his U24 rider role.
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Weronika Cich (ekstraliga.pl): AUTONA UNIA Tarnów last season, as well as during the winter break, had to face a series of off-track challenges. What made you decide to stay with the club? Did loyalty, the prospect of development, or perhaps faith in the team’s rebuilding guide you?

Marko Levishyn (AUTONA UNIA Tarnów): First and foremost, the fact that we were promoted. This is what most influenced my decision to stay with the club. I received an offer for the next year. Last season, no matter what anyone says, was very tough, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew I couldn’t abandon the club despite these problems. I believed and knew the management would find the funds to make next year significantly lighter. I hope this season will be smoother.

What are your preparations like this year? Have you introduced any new elements to your training? Or have you focused more on recovery after last season?

I haven’t introduced any major changes to my training. Like every season, I’m preparing to the maximum. Everything within my power I do at 110 percent, not just 100. I think this will help me achieve the best results.

Looking at AUTONA UNIA Tarnów’s lineup this year, how do you assess its strength compared to other teams in the league? Do you think the team has a realistic chance to fight for promotion, or is the main goal to stabilize after a difficult period? How do you assess the atmosphere in the team and cooperation with colleagues?

I assess our lineup and atmosphere very positively. We have experienced riders. I will add that some say I’m a mystery. I believe in myself. This is my first season in METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga. I love speedway, I race, and you have to do your best for the best results. I believe that as a team, we will show that we are capable of a lot.

Every athlete sets different goals – is your priority to improve your running average, score points for the team, or perhaps develop in specific aspects, such as starts or pair riding?

Ideally, everything together. There must be a result – that’s the most important. A rider constantly works on their mistakes, whether on starts or the track. Everything must work together for the result to be satisfactory.

Poland is considered one of the strongest leagues in the world, but are you considering competing in other countries? Such as Sweden, Denmark, or the UK? Which leagues do you consider attractive in terms of rider development? Or do you already have specific offers that you’re considering?

Honestly, I received an offer from England, but I told myself for now, I need to focus on the Polish league. I need to show myself here so that later it will be easier for me to ride and compete elsewhere. I hope that maybe during the season, I will join a Danish or Swedish team.

This season you surpassed the age to compete as a U24 rider. What challenges do you see associated with this?

I think it will be more of a challenge for the team. I rode here for two seasons as a U24 rider, now I’ve passed that age and I need to take on the role of a senior. I don’t look at it any differently because whether I was 23 or 21, I always had the same ambitions. I just wanted to race very well on speedway.

AUTONA UNIA Tarnów fans are known for their commitment. What does their support during competitions mean to you? Do you have any particular memories associated with Tarnów fans?

The fans in Tarnów are really great people. It’s nice that they always come, support me as well as the whole team, regardless of the problems in the club. At the presentation, we could also see how many of them came to support us because all tickets were sold out. For me, that’s truly amazing.

Every athlete has someone who inspired them early on – were they famous speedway figures, or perhaps people from your surroundings, like coaches or family? What have you learned from your mentor and how does it impact your career today?

I was very young, and it was great to watch Ihor Marko ride. He’s a Ukrainian rider. He especially had good starts and I remember him fondly. Although I didn’t get the chance to meet or compete with him, he has been my idol and inspiration from the very beginning.

Weronika Cich