Widlak, a member of Poland's junior national biathlon team, suffered a life-threatening crash on February 11 while training in Jakuszyce, a well-known biathlon and cross-country skiing centre near the Czech border.
Poland's southwestern mountain resort of Jakuszyce, on the border with the Czech Republic, is a premier destination for biathletes and cross-country skiers from across Europe, offering dozens of kilometres of well-groomed trails. Photo: Polish Radio
She does not remember the accident, and no one witnessed it. However, her team believes she lost control, hit the ground, and then collided with a tree, sustaining spinal cord damage and head injuries.
Now hospitalised in the southwestern city of Jelenia Góra, Widlak has control of her arms but is paralysed from the chest down.
After the initial shock of the impact, she remains conscious and is gradually recalling details of the ill-fated day.
While medical experts say the chances of a full recovery are slim, her loved ones, coaches and the biathlon community are rallying to support her.
Biathlon community mobilises support
The Polish Biathlon Association has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of Widlak’s treatment and rehabilitation.
"Milena had a very serious fall while skiing ... Things are really, really bad," the association's sports director, Agnieszka Cyl, told broadcaster TVP Sport. "We need the support of everyone with a big heart."
She added: "We are looking for doctors who can offer an alternative diagnosis beyond just a 1 percent chance of Milena regaining full fitness. Together, we will do everything possible to help."
Former top Polish biathlete Weronika Nowakowska, now a sports commentator for state television, shared a heartfelt message on social media: "Today, the entire biathlon community is coming together to support Milena and do everything possible to help her regain her health and fitness."
Nowakowska pleaded: "I sincerely ask for your support. Every donation and every share of this fundraiser is not only a real chance for this young athlete but also a powerful symbol that she is not alone in this difficult time."
Fundraiser tops PLN 500,000 mark
An online fundraiser, at the zrzutka.pl website, aims to collect PLN 3 million (EUR 720,000, USD 780,000) for Widlak's treatment.
"This year, she was preparing for her high-school leaving exams, university and adulthood," the fundraiser's organisers say. "But she now needs extensive rehabilitation, either in Poland or abroad, to regain independence. The costs are enormous, but when we come together, nothing is impossible."
By Friday morning, nearly PLN 550,000 had been raised.
A life altered, but not defeated
The UKN Melafir Czarny Bór club, where Widlak trained, has also appealed for donations.
"If anyone can help, please contact us," the club wrote on social media.
Its head Urszula Filip said: "In close collaboration with the Polish Biathlon Association, we are working to ensure that Milena receives the medical care and rehabilitation support she will need in the future."
Filip added: "Milena is a fantastic young woman who was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable sports career."
Widlak's coach Jerzy Szyda said: "She's an incredibly hardworking young athlete who was just starting to achieve her first major successes."
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Widlak has faced personal hardships, according to her family. Two years ago, she lost her father and took on responsibilities to support her mother and younger sister.
Meanwhile, messages of encouragement have poured in from coaches, fellow athletes and fans both at home and abroad.
The national senior team coach, Tobias Torgersen, and leading international biathletes, such as Italy's Dorothea Wierer and Norway's Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, have expressed their support.
Last weekend, a public collection held during the annual Bieg Piastów cross-skiing event in Jakuszyce raised PLN 33,336.07 for her recovery, its organizers have announced.
Donations can be made via this link.
(gs)
Source: TVP Sport, polskieradio24.pl, przegladsportowy.onet.pl, biathlon.com.pl, zrzutka.pl