Slovak shooting representative Zuzana Rehák Štefečeková did not confirm her role as the favorite to win a medal in Paris. After returning to Slovakia, she talked about what she sees as the biggest problems of Slovak sport and how she perceives its future.
Photo: TASR, Martin Baumann
Slovak representative in shooting in the team mix – trap Zuzana Rehák Štefečeková.
“When a 28-member expedition goes to the Olympics, we cannot expect to bring nine medals. The fewer athletes there are, the less likely we will get a valuable metal.
That is why I once again congratulate Maťa Beňuš for saving us. The sports base is narrowing, and with it the chance for a medal,” says Štefečeková in an interview for Slovak television.
The native of Nitra is sensitive to the situation surrounding Slovak sports. According to her, the improvement will come gradually and it will take a long time before the Slovak flag starts appearing on the podium regularly.
“Let’s talk realistically. I don’t think it will be better in four years. If we start working on it now, the results will come in eight to twelve years.
First of all, the base is important. To have enough sports fields, to be able to catch athletes, to have the opportunity for athletes to have where and when to train,” thinks the Slovak shooter.
In the past, Slovak sports struggled with insufficient infrastructure, which is slowly improving. However, it is not nearly enough for the surrounding countries.
“We know that he often struggles with the fact that sports venues are sold more for business. This means that adults can go and play sports, but children have no time. Or then they have the option in the late hours,” states Štefečeková.
According to her, the basis remains to work to ensure that more and more children take up sports.
“So, first of all, it is important to have a sports base and support for talents at the age when they are transitioning from junior to senior category. So that they have support and don’t have to think about what to do now. Whether they should go to work, college, or continue with sports.” says the Olympic winner from Tokyo 2021.
She has a total of four participations in the Olympics and she would not want to miss four years in Los Angeles.
“I am very happy that a month before the Olympics I won my 50th medal from world competitions. That number says something.
We haven’t concluded anything yet. We talked about moving on. I would like to get to Los Angeles, but we’ll see if my body and the conditions can handle it,” adds Štefečeková.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
