LIVE FROM PARIS – Although it is forbidden for spectators at the heavily guarded Olympics, she ran from the stands along the water canal to the finish line to support a hugely disappointed Gabriela Satková (22).
The photo of the tearful Czech canoeist, who finished an unlucky seventh in the final, and her sister Martina (25) went around the world.
Martina, what did you experience at the finish line?
“It was very difficult for me, because I can normally be in contact with Gabča at regular races. It’s not possible here, so at least we cheered in the stands. But I believe that a person needs family support, even when things are not going well. That’s why I ran to Gabča. Despite my tears, I was actually moved. I wanted to let her know that I’m here for her!”
What did you say?
“You don’t even need to speak at that moment. Gabča sat on the water for quite a while, so she spotted me and got the message from me. I shared all the emotions with her and I felt that our hearts were connected. But most importantly, we showed her that we are there with her. So let it hurt her a little less. We are all very proud of her. Seventh place in the first Olympics? That’s amazing!”
Will it be a driving force for Gabča towards the next Olympics? After all, except for the final, she won everything here…
“She was an absolute champion until then. Unfortunately, in water slalom there are an awful lot of factors that affect the ride. She didn’t manage to win, but Gabča is a very strong personality and athletes make failures too. In addition, her modesty and purity of soul is what perhaps attracted viewers. It can be seen how everyone enjoys it, that the whole nation is behind her. Hundreds of people wrote to me that they were rooting for her!”
You cycled over 12,000 kilometers from the Czech Republic to see your sister, why?
“I thought it was a nice gesture, maybe it helped Gabč at least partially. Sport is about the fact that you have to overcome yourself, that you have to endure hard times as well as good times. And I’m glad I did it, it was the performance of my life.”
Will you go back by bike too?
“Not anymore! (laughs) Fortunately, we’re going home by car.”
Gábina and Martina are one blood.