Aleksander Zniszczoł blasted by fans — his sharp response to critics

Polish ski jumper Aleksander Zniszczoł has increasingly been singled out by sections of Polish fans on social media. The 31-year-old is frequently mocked and, in some posts, derisively nicknamed “Oleksandr Zniszczenko.”

The backlash stems from comments made at the end of the previous season, when Zniszczoł and Dawid Kubacki said on TVN that they were glad to part ways with then–head coach Thomas Thurnbichler and that a coaching change would restore a “good atmosphere” and bring strong results.

Under the new head coach, Maciej Maciusiak, the opening of the new season has been disappointing, with both Kubacki and Zniszczoł performing poorly, including struggles to score points and failed qualifications, notably in Ruka. Fans have repeatedly resurfaced the spring remarks to taunt the pair.

When asked by reporter Michał Chmielewski if he reads the internet, Zniszczoł said he only does so occasionally and had recently stopped. After being told about the latest online criticism, he answered his detractors with a terse invitation: “Come to the hill.” Judging by reactions online, the comeback did not land well with many supporters.

The debate continues as Polish ski jumping searches for form early in the season, with scrutiny focused on both the athletes and the coaching transition.