Gabriela Satkova’s Olympic pain lingers almost two months after her heartbreak in Paris.
This pain may never completely go away but Satkova is responding in the best possible way – and that’s winning.
Returning to the international stage for the first time since Paris 2024, Satkova struck gold in impressive fashion.
The 22-year-old swept to the women’s canoe title at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Ivrea.
“I feel extremely happy because I did not know that this race would go this way,” said Satkova.
“I am more than satisfied.
“It was an amazing run and I am happy that after the Olympics I was able to do such a great run.
“I felt like I believed in myself a little bit after the big disappointment of the Olympics.”
It has been the toughest period in Satkova’s young career. She is only 22 yet she expected to leave Paris with a medal due to her talent and tenacity.
Ranked first in the semi-final, Satkova felt a medal was within her grasp as she arrived at the start as the last paddler in the final.
But Satkova’s hopes of victory disappeared when she picked up a two-second penalty.
She finished in seventh position, missing out on a medal as Australia’s Jessica Fox retained the Olympic C1 crown.
It has been a tough pill to swallow for Satkova who remains the only paddler to beat Fox in C1 this year.
“It was quite hard, especially right after the Olympics,” said Satkova.
“I started to get better and better but it wasn’t as fast as I expected.
“Okay, let’s just move on and let’s race but it wasn’t that easy.
“I struggled a little bit in the first races and now I feel a little bit better again but the process is not over.
“It’s going to be a bit hard.
“The important thing is that I love doing this sport, it brings me pleasure so I am okay with the disappointment.”
Satkova said that she still reflected fondly on her first Olympics experience.
“Overall, I am very grareful for the opportunity because not everyone can race there and it was amazing, right from the beginning,” said Satkova.
“I had so many experiences, so many great memories and I met so many great people.
“Overall, it was an amazing journey.
“Even though the final did not go as well, it is still going to be remembered as the most beautiful time spent.
“It is always going to mean a lot to me.”
Satkova said she did not take to the water for a couple of weeks after the Olympics but her passion for paddling meant she could not stay away for too long.
The Czech paddler made the best possible return to action, securing her second ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup win of the season.
She swept aside the field in Ivrea, triumphing by more than five seconds.
With Fox opting not to compete in Ivrea, Satkova’s victory means she closes the gap on the Australia in the overall standings.
Satkova is 20 points behind Fox in third position with just one World Cup remaining in La Seu next week.
“I am already a bit tired and La Seu is a completely different course but I will try to do my best,” said Satkova.
“It’s going to be hard as there are many strong girls.
“I will just try to do the same and see how it goes.”
For the results and competition schedule, click here.
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