Prague - Those who were passing through the center of the Czech capital on Thursday 4 September had a chance to see quite a special attraction. Beijing Olympics' female javelin gold medalist Barbora Špotáková walked down the streets of Prague along with her Olympic rivals.
The Czech Olympic gold winner invited her rivals to Prague. "Most of the girls were in Prague for the first time, so I decided to take them for a traditional walk," Špotáková said.
Needless to say, they were spotted and recognized by passers-by, be it locals or foreign tourists.
"We were walking the Royal Route in the opposite direction, that is from the Little Quarter Square through Charles' Bridge to the city center. All of them came. We took pictures and people passing by were surprised to see us. But it was nice," said the 27-year-old athlete to Atletika.cz server.
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Javelin in Jablonec
However, the world's top-class javelin competitors met in Prague not only to do some sightseeing, but, above all, to participate in Špotáková's initiative called Jablonecký oštěp (Jablonec's Javelin) that she helped prepare long before the Olympic Games in Beijing.
Jablonec, Špotáková's north Bohemian hometown, will witness a competition between the Czech Olympic star athlete and her biggest rivals - Russian athlete Maria Abakumova, not well known before the Olympic games, and two German javelin throwers Christina Obergföll and Stefi Nerius.
Reputation harmed after Lausanne
Although Špotáková overhauled them in Beijing, she lost to all of them in Lausanne, taking fourth place.
"I am not mad about it. I have always performed badly at competitions that followed some big sports events. In Jablonec, on my home turf, the spectators will hopefully pour blood into my veins and it will be a different story. I would like to improve my reputation a bit," Špotáková explained, adding that she would like to make her fans happy.
During her Olympic performance, scores of people met in Jablonec's largest square to watch her competition on a screen and cheer for her.
Female javelin throwers and firemen
In addition to the athletic meeting in Lausanne, Špotáková underwent a number of official events. For example, she was promoted to lieutenant on Wednesday.
Špotáková informed that she doesn't plan to break the world record, although she nearly did it in Beijing. In Jablonec, a "plain" victory would be enough for her.
In addition to javelin throwing, two firemen squadrons will compete. Why firemen in a javelin event? The reason is simple: Špotáková's boyfriend is a fireman.
The jablonec competition starts Friday at 5 p.m. in the Chance Arena. The entrance fee is CZK 30 and 50.
