Jiří Prskavec

FROM PARIS TO PARIS AND BEYOND

After the Olympics in Paris, I went through what was probably the toughest period of my career. I hadn’t lost my form, but I had lost the joy of paddling. I ended the season determined to heal my body – I started addressing my atopic eczema and stopped using corticosteroids. What followed was a challenging six-month stretch where the eczema got out of control, and I also had to reset my mindset.

The key was to rediscover the joy of being on the water. I decided to approach both kayak and canoe with the same mindset – no longer prioritizing one over the other. After returning from Australia, I felt great – and managed to get through what was probably the hardest qualification race I’ve ever done. I earned my spot on the national team and headed to the European Championships in Paris, aiming to break the “French curse” – the only country from which I had never brought home an individual medal.

This time, I had the greatest support with me – my wife and both of our boys. On the start line, I felt excited, and just at the right moment, my flow returned. In the kayak, I took home European gold and made peace with a place I had left disappointed the year before.

Now, the World Cup series awaits, ending with the season finale in my second home – Sydney, Australia, on the course from the 2000 Olympics. I’m looking forward to it and believe I can put on some great performances.

Gold medals

Big dream

Paddles broken

2022

Opět mistrem Evropy

Poolympijská sezóna se nakonec vydařila dobře. Vyhrál jsem mistrovství Evropy a celkové hodnocení Světového poháru. Na mistrovství světa jsem skončil pátý.