Slovak Petra Vlhová during the parallel giant slalom in Zürs.
Giovanni Auletta, ČTK / AP
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In Slovakia, Veronika Zuzulová, the winner of five World Cup races, had long-standing disputes with the association, who once did not rule out the possibility of representing another country. On the contrary, Vlhová rejected this variant in the past.
“I am a proud Slovak and I will always represent Slovakia,” she told Plus One Day last year. “No one called us,” Heřmanský smiled at the hypothetical question of whether he would welcome the best slalom skier of today in Czech colors. “It was not even considered, moreover, it would not be easy procedurally,” he warned.
Chairman of the Ski Association of the Czech Republic Lukáš Heřmanský.
Skiers Association of the Czech Republic
Vlhová, a successful partner from Liptovský Mikuláš, Martina Dubovská, has already moved from Slovakia to the Czech national team, but her situation is significantly different. She has a Czech mother, she was born in Třinec and her father chose the Czech national team when she was in the junior category.
Superstar Vlhová and others left the Slovak Ski Association
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The Slovak Ski Association has already been accredited by the local ministry, Vlhová and other elite downhill skiers have moved to the new Slovak Skiing Association. However, a problem may arise with skiers registering for existing association races.
“It is the only partner for the international federation FIS, so it is necessary to think about the steps,” recalls Heřmanský. However, representatives of the association have already stated that they do not plan to block athletes in racing.
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Matěj Švancer with his gold from the Youth Olympic Games.
Přemek Vida / Association of Skiers of the Czech Republic
The Czech Union has also been dealing with the possible departure of one of its rising stars for a long time, although certainly not so acute. Matěj Švancer, who has already won the Youth Olympics, has been living with his parents in Austria for a long time, which he planned to represent. At least for this season, the elite freestyle skier will compete in Czech colors.
“It’s not easy, but negotiations are underway,” describes Heřmanský. If Švancer is nominated for the Czechia for the Olympics, he should represent him for a year in Beijing. “Due to the covid situation, the rules are changing a bit, but we are doing everything we can to race for us,” confirms the union president.
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