Kurek made his international debut for Poland in 2007 during the World League tournament held in Poznan. The match against Argentina marked the beginning of his journey on the global stage. Over the years, he has become known for his skills as an opposite spiker and wing spiker, playing right-handed.

Club Career

Currently, Kurek plays for Wolfdogs Nagoya in Japan. His club career has seen him play for various teams across Europe and Asia. Notably, he had to cancel a contract with JT Thunders in Japan ahead of the 2016/17 season due to physical and mental fatigue. He later joined PGE Skra Belchatow in Poland before returning to Japan with Wolfdogs Nagoya.

Achievements and Awards

Kurek's career is decorated with numerous awards. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2018 World Championship in Italy and Bulgaria, where Poland won gold. He also received the Officer's Cross of Order of Polonia Restituta from the president of Poland in 2018.

Other notable awards include being named the 2018 Athlete of the Year in Poland and the 2018 Male Player of the Year by the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). He has also been recognised as MVP at various tournaments, including the Memorial of Hubert Jerzy Wagner tournament in 2009 and 2012.

Injuries and Challenges

Kurek's career has not been without challenges. He has faced several injuries that disrupted his training and competition schedules. In January 2020, a back injury affected his training. He also missed significant tournaments in 2019 due to a lumbar spine injury but made a comeback later that year.

Earlier injuries include a foot injury in late 2017 that sidelined him for half of the season and a back injury in June 2015 during World League preparations. Despite these setbacks, Kurek has consistently returned to form, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Personal Life and Influences

Kurek's personal life is closely tied to volleyball. His partner, Anna Grejman, is also a volleyball player who has represented Poland at various international events. Kurek credits his parents and Grejman as significant influences in his career.

Outside of volleyball, Kurek enjoys basketball and football. His sporting philosophy is simple yet profound: "I always give my best. I could not imagine a different approach."

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Kurek has expressed ambitions to win a gold medal at future Olympic Games. Although he considered retiring from international competition if he won a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, his passion for the sport remains strong.

Other Activities

In addition to his playing career, Kurek was selected as a member of the first International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Athletes Commission in 2016. This role highlights his commitment to contributing to the sport beyond just playing.

Bartosz Kurek's journey through volleyball showcases his dedication, skill, and resilience. As he continues to compete at high levels, fans around the world will undoubtedly follow his career with great interest.