MILAN, Italy – The cheers echoed long after Martina Sáblíková crossed the finish line in her final Olympic 5000-meter race last Thursday, a testament to a career defined by both athletic prowess and unwavering dedication. The outpouring of support from fans, she said, was “perhaps more important than a medal.” But the emotional farewell didn’t conclude on the ice. Over the weekend, Sáblíková received a moving send-off at the Czech House, a celebration that underscored her legacy and hinted at a future still connected to the sport she loves.
The celebration on Saturday took on a more formal tone, a chance for the Czech Republic to collectively honor one of its most decorated athletes. Sáblíková, a seven-time Olympic medalist, reflected on a journey that spanned years of intense training and competition. “The closer the end came, the more I thought about it,” she shared from the stage. “The path I walked was long, but stunning. Now something is ending. I believed in Petr [coach Novák] and what I was doing. I dreamed of an Olympic medal, and it’s incredible that I experienced that several times. I will never stop being grateful that I met Petr and everyone in speed skating. I could never have done it without training partners, and at certain moments, they believed in me more than I believed in myself.” Her first Olympic medal, a gold in Vancouver 2010, and a bronze from Beijing, she noted, held particularly special significance.
A Legacy Celebrated
Jiří Kejval, the president of the Czech Olympic Committee, joined in the tributes, presenting Sáblíková with flowers and her favorite treat: tvarohové knedlíky, a type of Czech cheese dumpling. Alongside Sáblíková on stage were her successor, Metoděj Jílek, who recently claimed gold and silver medals at the Milan Games, and her life partner, Nikola Zdráhalová. Jílek expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to train alongside Sáblíková during her final seasons. “I’m so glad I was able to spend the last two seasons with her and see her up close,” he said. Zdráhalová added, “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to grasp Marta. She is an incredible person, incredibly humble, and able to aid people immensely. And I know she will continue to help others.”
An Emotional Farewell
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening came when Sáblíková and her longtime coach, Petr Novák, toasted to her remarkable career with a glass of wine. A single glance passed between them, and both were overcome with emotion, tears welling in their eyes. Novák, however, expressed a desire for Sáblíková’s career to continue, believing she still has much to offer the sport. “Her body has potential, but it depends on what her head says,” he remarked.
Passing the Torch
The celebration took an unexpected turn shortly before midnight when Sáblíková emerged from the Czech House, not as the guest of honor, but as a congratulator herself. Tereza Voborníková, fresh off winning a bronze medal in the biathlon mass start event, had arrived in Milan. A wave of applause erupted, joined by fellow Czech biathletes and even Swiss speed skaters who train with Jílek. “It was an absolutely exceptional day for me, I’m experiencing the best day of my life,” Voborníková said from the stage, adding with a smile that she was most looking forward to going to bed. The moment was particularly meaningful as Sáblíková offered her congratulations, a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of Czech athletes to the next.
A Night for Two Champions
Saturday evening belonged to both Sáblíková and Voborníková, a celebration of achievement and the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games. The event highlighted the camaraderie between different sports and the shared pride of the Czech delegation.
Looking Ahead
While Sáblíková’s future remains uncertain, her impact on Czech speed skating is undeniable. Her mentorship of Jílek suggests a continued involvement in the sport, potentially shaping the next generation of athletes. As reported by Sport.cz, Voborníková’s success serves as an inspiration for other Czech athletes, demonstrating that consistent dedication and belief in oneself can lead to Olympic glory. The Czech Olympic Committee has not yet announced any further events honoring Sáblíková, but updates will be posted on their official website.
The outpouring of emotion and support for Sáblíková underscores the profound connection between athletes and their fans. As she contemplates her next chapter, one thing is certain: her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
Petr Novák oznámil, že má v pondělí schůzku s Andrejem Babišem a že “snad ta hala dopadne”.
— Robert Sára (@RobertSara_26) February 21, 2026
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, resources are available. You can contact the National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by dialing 111 in the UK.
