Tom Brennan claims he is not worried about having to fight for a spot in the ABRAMCZYK Polonia Bydgoszcz team. In an interview with Wiktor Nikodem, he admits that padel is a challenge, but he also likes many other sports.
Wiktor Nikodem (extraleague.pl/Speedway Young Journalist Academy): – What advice would you give to ten-year-old Tom if you could do so from today’s perspective?
– Tom Brennan (ABRAMCZYK Polonia Bydgoszcz):
– Not to take it too seriously, says the athlete. – I was very hard on myself as a child and I’m still very demanding, he adds. – The typical thinking of only about hard work does not apply. Now I’m living my dream, so I would just keep telling myself to keep doing what I’m doing.
Last season you did a great job as a U24 player. You achieved an average of 1.987 points/run. This season you will play as a senior — there are five of you in total, and there are four spots. What is your plan to get into the first team?
– I mean, I have to work hard, that’s the main thing, the player says. I understand the situation, because it is not the easiest. I understand that from the start of the season we will be fighting for a place in the team. But we are all a team. We all want one thing. What I can do is be strong and ready, so I’m not particularly worried.
Do you think there is the so-called “team spirit” in the team? Is there noticeable pressure in the team related to the goal set for the next season?
– Everyone wants promotion to the PGE Ekstraliga, that’s obvious. I wouldn’t call it pressure — rather, we are still dragging with us the disappointment related to the previous season. You know, oh my, we have been waiting too long. We just want to win the cup and win the Metalkas 2. Ekstraliga competition.
During the padel tournament at the team’s training camp, you took first place. You must be really good at it. Is padel the sport that you practice during the preparation period, or maybe something else?
– Yes. I love padel. I started playing about a year ago. I’ve always liked tennis, table tennis, and squash. I love playing golf — it gives me great pleasure. I also like cycling. Generally, racket sports. I also really like running, especially when my leg is not broken (laughs).
What about your personal goals for the upcoming season? What do you want to achieve individually?
– I think first and foremost I want to develop — that’s the most important. We’re always climbing something like a ladder. I don’t know what to add, there are so many things I could say. I think successful performances in the European Championships and good results in Manchester.
Interviewed by:
Wiktor Nikodem from the Speedway Young Journalist Academy
