Kamil Semeniuk: Poland's next sensation

After a winter season with some remarkable performances - and even more extraordinary results with the new reigning European club champions ZAKSA Kedzierzyn-Kozle - Kamil Semeniuk is now leaving his mark on the 2021 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League.

Poland's 24-year-old outside hitter made his national team debut against Serbia on the opening week of the competition at Italy's Adriatic resort of Rimini (after sitting out his team's first match against hosts Italy).

"It was my first official match with the national team and I was extremely proud to be a part of this team and represent my country," he said at the virtual post-match Mixed Zone - obviously stressed and nervous at his first such appearance before the media, even if only via streaming.

"There were some jitters at the beginning," he added, "but I was aware of the fact with who I am on the court, so shortly after the first whistle the stage fright was gone and I enjoyed being part of our team. We still have some reserves in our game and we hope to further improve it with practice between the three-day blocks of matches."

But the young, rising new star of Polish volleyball is taking it all in his stride - including the wondrous thought of an Olympic gold medal later this season in Tokyo.

For the time being he's enjoying every minute of his presence in the Rimini 'bubble', as his dreams come true.