WARSAW, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Polish Para cross-country skier Witold Skupien didn't hide his disappointment after finishing only fifth in the men's long distance classical technique standing race at the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games on Monday.
Skupien was seen as one of the Polish hopefuls at the Games. The 32-year-old had a chance to stand on the podium but he lacked the strength to catch up with his rivals in the final meters.
"I fought, I tried, but it was a bit lacking. I struggled on those first two wheels, which made my strength weaken on the last two and the skis did not want to cooperate with me anymore. I regret it very much because it was my final start at the Olympics. I wanted to finish my career with a medal," Skupien told the Polish Paralympic Committee.
"Physically I felt stronger than in January when I was second at the world championship in Lillehammer. Here I missed the podium one minute, which is a tiny loss at 20km," he added.
The event was won by Taiki Kawayoke of Japan.
Chinese Cai Jiayun and Qiu Mingyang Qiu, who came in front of the Pole, changed skis in the middle of the race to finish second and third respectively. Skupien also had equipment prepared for a change, but he did not take advantage of it.
"I didn't make up my mind, because I was making up for the losses. And then I was too tired. Well, there are two starts with a skating technique which I am not doing this season. But I will surely do everything to win a medal," Skupien explained.
The Pole will also compete in sprint and middle distance free technique at the Beijing Games. ■