BestWater: Mr. Kolbowicz, when did you first sit in a rowing boat?

Marek Kolbowicz: The first time I sat in a rowing boat was in 1986, I was 15 years old and it was a single scull.

BestWater: What fascinates you about rowing?

Marek Kolbowicz: What fascinates me the most is that I am in nature and this gives me a positive attitude and perspective on the whole world. In a four, the teamwork is crucial.

BestWater: How do you get along with each other? Are you friends in private as well?

Marek Kolbowicz: A four should be a team that understands each other very well. Four athletes with different characters and interests must work harmoniously and friendly together to reach their goal. There is no room for arguments. Are we friends? I don't know, but in my opinion, we all know that everyone depends on each other, and therefore everyone respects one another.

BestWater: In this combination of people, you have won several World Cup victories, three consecutive World Championships, and Olympic gold. How much percentage is physical strength and how much percentage is mental strength?

Marek Kolbowicz: That varies greatly. In my case, the mental concentration is very high. I think it accounts for up to 50% at times. A big role also depends on what kind of competition it is and the role you have within the team.

BestWater: Is there a special preparation before such a big competition like now in Beijing?

Marek Kolbowicz: The preparation starts in December and it is a very difficult and lengthy process – whether at home or in training. For a professional athlete, his body and health are his capital.

BestWater: In what way do nutrition and recovery influence performance besides training?

Marek Kolbowicz: A well-known saying goes: you win or lose a competition with your food. There is some truth to that. We don't have a special diet, but we pay attention to what and where we eat.

BestWater: Dietary supplements play a big role in professional sports. Your sponsor BestWater is world-renowned for its water treatment systems. Do you drink this pure and living water yourself, and if so, since when?

Marek Kolbowicz: Yes, of course, I drink it and have been doing so for a long time. It also simplifies my life immensely, as I no longer have to buy and transport water. I should mention that during the Olympic Games in Beijing, I drank eight liters of water daily.

BestWater: You know the treatment process very well by now. Do you see water differently as a water sportsman now?

Marek Kolbowicz: I have always known that water plays a very important role in life, but now I am absolutely convinced of the importance of pure water. I am happy to be one of the many people with my own BestWater treatment system and to have pure water available at all times, whether at home or in training.

BestWater: As a professional athlete, you naturally have a very good sense of your body. What changes have you noticed after regularly consuming treated water?

Marek Kolbowicz: What I first noticed after I started drinking the water was that I sweat much less during training. Later, I also noticed that the whole training day was not as exhausting as before. My teammates share the same opinion.

BestWater: Ironically, can we say that the treated water has helped you achieve victory on the water? After all, you rowed with an enormous lead of more than two seconds ahead of the second-placed Italians.

Marek Kolbowicz: I can confirm that one hundred percent. The water is very healthy and plays a big role in continuing to have success and celebrating great victories in the future. It gives me excellent condition.

BestWater: Would you unreservedly recommend BestWater to non-athletes as well, and why? Does your family also drink BestWater?

Marek Kolbowicz: Absolutely! What could be healthier than absolutely clean and pure water? Treated water is very beneficial for everyone, for example, a coffee with BestWater in the morning is simply fantastic.

BestWater: Poland has unfortunately only been able to win three gold medals. Are you the new sports heroes in Poland, and have you inspired the youth for rowing?

Marek Kolbowicz: Hero? I don't know. However, I have always maintained that leading a healthy and active life is great. It doesn't necessarily have to be rowing, as there are many sports that keep our bodies healthy and looking young. What's important is to be outdoors a lot.

BestWater: What goals would you like to achieve in the future?

Marek Kolbowicz: My plans for the future are closely linked to my sport. I want to prepare very well for the World Championship next year in Poznań to be successful there. And my next and very important goal is the Olympic Games 2012 in London. At the same time, I am studying natural sciences at the University of Szczecin. I want to get my doctorate in physiology. The topic of my doctoral thesis will be rowing training. Of course, water will also be an important topic of my work.

Mr. Kolbowicz, thank you very much for the interview!

The interview was conducted by Kristian Cenkovcan.