Polish great Tomasz Gollob hailed former Speedway GP world title rival Jaroslaw Hampel “a great athlete and an even greater human being” after the former world No.2 announced his retirement from the sport.
Hampel, who won six FIM Speedway World Cup gold medals with his country – five of them alongside Gollob – called time on his career on Friday.
With two Speedway GP World Championship silver medals, one bronze and six Speedway GP wins, Hampel stands alongside Bartosz Zmarzlik and Gollob as one of Poland’s greatest SGP riders.
Gollob and Hampel famously battled over the 2010 Speedway GP World Championship, with Mr G getting the verdict to end 37 years without an individual world title for the sport’s superpower nation.
But the pair joined forces to usher in a golden age for their country and, posting a photo of their 2011 SWC win in Gorzow on his Instagram account, Gollob paid a glowing tribute to his former Speedway GP rival and international teammate.
He wrote: “Your decision to end your career has affected an entire fast-paced environment. During all these years, we have fought countless battles together, intense, full of passion and adrenaline. The fans loved our duels, and we knew we could always count on each other.
“We were also fortunate enough to live together the moments of the greatest glory of winning world titles for Poland, enjoying these historic victories. This photo reminds me of how much we have achieved together, how many times we have stood on the highest podium with a white and red flag above our heads.
“You are a great athlete and an even greater human being. You end your career with your head held high, and your name will forever be written in golden letters in the history of our sport.
“Thank you for all the years of shared battles and victories. For the emotions you gave to the fans and for always being a true fighter. Good luck on your new journey!!”