DAGMARA GERASIMUK
“From a young age, I realised there is a role for everyone in sports.”
Meet Dagmara Gerasimuk, a dedicated biathlon professional with over 25 years in the sport. She has been involved as an athlete, coach, international referee, and leader, serving as Secretary-General and President of the Polish Biathlon Association (2014-2020). She was also a member of the Sports Commission and Chair of the Gender Equality Working Group in the Polish Olympic Committee (2020-2022) and an International Biathlon Union Executive Board Member (2018-2020).
THE VALUE OF SPORTS
“Sports are more than just a competition—they’re a way of life, teaching valuable lessons and creating lasting connections. It’s about uplifting and empowering those around you to achieve greatness together.”
“From a young age, I realised there is a role for everyone in sports. Even if you couldn’t represent your school as an athlete, you could still be involved by helping to organise the event, supporting the judges, or assisting with the social aspects. You can still experience the emotions of the competitions and be part of the success.”
ENTERING THE SPORT WORLD
“The landscape is dynamic and full of opportunities, but challenges still exist.
My bits of advice:
1. The sports industry can be competitive, but passion is a powerful driver. If you’re truly passionate about sports, let that passion guide you.
2. Success in sports often requires hard work, dedication, and sometimes, going the extra mile. Don’t shy away from roles that might initially seem challenging or entry-level. Take on internships, volunteer opportunities, or freelance work to gain experience.
3. Networking is crucial. Connections can open doors to opportunities. Don’t be afraid to seek mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and support.
4. Take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Be confident, embrace growth, and support others.”
DIVERSITY IN SPORT ORGANISATIONS
“First, establish clear, formal GE or DEI policies that set specific goals for diversity at all levels of the organisation, including in leadership and decision-making roles. A formal policy provides a framework for creating a more inclusive environment and ensures that diversity efforts are prioritised at the organisational level.
Then, define specific, measurable targets for diversity in leadership and any working group composition and ensure accountability. Establish mentorship programmes and unconscious bias training.”
A LIFE OF SPORT
“Sport has always been an integral part of my life. My journey started with practising athletics and biathlon, followed by setting up a sports club, being educated about coaching and sports management, writing a PhD thesis about kids recruitment to biathlon, and managing the national federation.”
