Synek Is a Whip, Says Sáblíková, the Speed Skating Champion

She had never been to a live rowing regatta. At the end of May, the famous speed skater, the three-time Olympic winner Martina Sáblíková, would like to visit the European Championship in Račice. "If it works out, I'd come to support Ondřej Synek and others," she plans.

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How do you relate to rowing? Have you ever tried an indoor rower?

I did. They are in every fitness center. As part of the training I do not use it. I just wanted to test it out because I am interested in all sports.

How did you feel while rowing on an indoor rower?

I have to say that it is very challenging, and I can imagine that rowing on water is even more demanding than on a trainer. I could not row, honestly. I am a person who has great respect for the water, so I avoid it when I can. The only water sport I could do is a paddle row. (laughs) I just do not understand how a rower can stay in the tippy rowing boat and not turn over. Incredible! I like to watch rowing on TV when someone from the Czech Republic is competing, in the European Championship, the World Championship or the Olympics. Then I am cheering them on. Out of all the Czechs, Ondra Synek and Mirka Topinková Knapková are at the top for a long time. That makes this sport more interesting from the Czech point of view. Mirka is now pregnant so she will not row, but Ondra is a great attraction.

How well do you know Ondřej Synek?

I like Ondra very much, but unfortunately we do not see each other often. We both have loaded training programs. He's a swell guy, and it's amazing how long he's staying on top. For me he is a great person.

Have you ever been tempted to come and watch a rowing race?

I have never been to a rowing race, and I hope it will change in May. I do not have a detailed training plan yet, and I do not want to interfere with my trainer’s, but if I'm in the Czech Republic, I'd love to go to Račice when it's so close. What other time will there be a chance to see such a great rowing event in the Czech Republic? Once I've finished my career, I will be able to go anywhere but now it's not so easy. If I do not get to Račice this time, I will certainly not miss the European Championship and at least watch it on the television. I roller skated around the race course in Račice a few times, so I know I could see it even during the real races.

The demands on time and physical load in rowing is a bit like speed skating, do you agree?

It's probably similar in its hard work. In rowing, the largest load is probably on their hands, but I understand that their whole body suffers. In speed skating, the hands are resting and the biggest stress is on the legs. I know the feeling when I try to pull also with my hands on the bike for a while and then I can not break away from the frame. (smiles) It's terribly unpleasant. I can not imagine what the rowers have to experience during the race. In general, physical training is similar, with great differences, of course, is in the technical aspects of both sports. But on dry land, we all have to slog away. You have to get physically fit in any sport.

Don’t you envy rowers a bit that they can compete in front of their own fans? You'll be able to do that maybe once as a coach…

I envy the domestic audience a lot. The advantage for all Czech competitors will be that they will row on water which they know well. I can imagine that it's another responsibility to row at home. You want to show off more than ever. The home audience must have its magic, and I wish all the Czech competitors to fully enjoy it.

And your tip: will Ondřej Synek be awarded the title of European Champion?

Who would not believe in him? Ondra is a whip, he will get the title!

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