“I Knew It Wouldn’t Be Easy, But Not This Hard” – Interview with Olympic Cross-Country Skier Ádám Büki

What emotions were going through you when, after such long preparation, you finally stood at the starting line? 

Ádám Büki: Most athletes don’t make it to their first Olympics at the age of thirty. For me, qualifying was the result of fourteen years of incredibly hard work and thousands of hours of training. Even while studying at university and later working full-time, I never gave up on my dream. I worked for it every single day. I experienced firsthand what a dual career really means. 

I think very few athletes have an easy path to the Olympics, and mine was no exception. It was an enormous relief to finally achieve what I had worked so hard for over so many years. The last four years of preparation, alongside a full-time job, were especially demanding — particularly the final two and a half years, when every single race counted toward Olympic qualification. 

Standing at the start line was an uplifting moment. Suddenly, all the pressure fell off my shoulders. I wasn’t even particularly nervous, because by simply competing at the Olympics, I had already achieved my goal. And at the 2026 Games, I was fortunate enough to experience that feeling five times. 

How did you feel during the races? How satisfied are you with your results? 

Ádám Büki: Fortunately, I was in good physical condition throughout, which allowed me to compete freely and truly enjoy each race. It was already special in itself to start in every event — a privilege reserved for those who achieved the higher individual qualification standard. 

I’m satisfied with my placements; I believe they are realistic. In several events, I managed to finish ahead of athletes who are full-time professionals and have been preparing exclusively for this for the past four years. That included competitors from smaller nations who live and train in countries like Norway or Italy. 

What are your future plans and goals in the sport? 

Ádám Büki: At heart, I simply love being active, training, and competing. I feel that this passion will stay with me for life. In the coming years, I definitely want to continue competing at a high level. If that journey were to lead to another Olympics, it would be the icing on the cake — but regardless, cross-country skiing will always remain an integral part of my life. I still feel the momentum to keep going. 

Beyond my personal ambitions, I would also like to promote this beautiful sport in Hungary and help more people discover and appreciate cross-country skiing. 

Photo credit:  MOB Media