Mariusz Wlazly was key for Poland at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship Poland 2014 as the hosts claimed their first gold at the tournament in 40 years
Lausanne, Switzerland, March 26, 2015 – Volleyball fans around the world have helped propel FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Poland 2014 MVP and gold medallist Mariusz Wlazly to the finals of the Sportaccord SportsMan of the Year award after voting closed on Tuesday.
The Pole was nominated for the prestigious award last week, with fans urged to cast their vote to help him reach the final, and the 31-year-old has made the cut for the awards gala, which will take place in Sochi on April 23.
Wlazly returned from injury ahead of last year’s World Championship to help lead the hosts to their first title in the tournament in 40 years. He was also named Best Opposite during the competition.
As the top scorer in the tournament with 233 points, he was also a key component for Poland as they jumped the many hurdles on the way to winning the World Championship and defeating defending world champions Brazil in the final. He had already helped Poland to a silver medal in 2006, when his team lost out to Brazil in the final in Tokyo, Japan, but this time his team went one step further to claim a second World Championship title, following the competition Poland won in 1974.
You can find more information on the awards and how to watch the ceremony here