We recently hosted nearly 30 athletes from the Czech Athletics Federation. Two of the campers were talented athletes who will be competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
We were curious to know how they got here, how they prepared themselves physically and mentally for the challenge, and how much the support of their family, coaches, teammates and the Nyíregyháza Athletics Centre contributed to their success. Michaela Hrubá (PB 1.95 m) and Jan Štefela (PB 2.30 m) were happy to share their experiences and give us an insight into their lives. The two high jumpers are preparing for this year's European Championships and the Paris Olympics.
In order to qualify for the Olympics, you have to meet some serious requirements. Each nation can enter up to three athletes in the individual events, provided the athlete meets the entry requirements. For the high jump, the requirement is 1.97 m for women and 2.30 m for men. The entry criteria also take into account results achieved between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, which all count towards the overall points. Athletes who perform below the quota will therefore also have the opportunity to move up the rankings. To do this, they need to participate in as many of the highest category events as possible to earn a lot of points.
Michaela started playing athletics at the age of eight. Initially specialising in the heptathlon, her height over the years led her to try high jumping, which she eventually took up. At the age of 18, she already boasted European and world titles in youth competitions. Her high jump success took her all the way to the 2016 Olympic Games. She is currently ranked 17th in the world thanks to his achievements. After a serious injury, the 26-year-old athlete returned to her daily training with the help of a mental coach after a two-year hiatus. Through continuous training and self-education, Michaela keeps herself a strong competitor in her mind and is able to perform the way she wants to compete. When something happens, she has to get up and keep going. Her family, friends, teammates, coaches, supporters, and the club where she competes, as well as the government of the Czech Republic, play a big part in this. It's a big word for an Olympics, the biggest in an athlete's life, something he couldn't quite grasp at the age of 18. Now, for four years, he has been preparing steadily for the goal he has set for herself.
Until eight years ago, Jan was tied down to a completely different sport, off-road and road cycling. From the start, he felt drawn to high jumping and has been improving his results year on year. After winning the U23 European U23 Championships in 2021 and improving by 4-6 cm per year, he is now ranked 16th in the world. Jan is a 23 year old, poised and funny young athlete who puts enthusiasm and determination into every training session. For him, besides family, the support of his girlfriend is of paramount importance, but he also benefits from the support of his peers, coaches, club and sponsors.
It was specifically highlighted that any competition, training or result is unattainable if their health is not right.
Both agree that the Nyíregyháza Athletics Centre is impressive and would be happy to have at least one training camp of this level in their country. In their experience, everything is in place to allow athletes to concentrate physically and mentally on their training. The diet, the wellness, the gym, the comfortable rooms directly adjacent to the tracks, all make the athletes' dreams come true. They are very happy to be here and heartily recommend the complex to everyone. They hope that both the club and the federation will decide that they will be able to train for their next competition here.
