+1st place World Cup overall (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
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Where did you start with paddling?
When I was 11 I started with flatwater kayaking on the River Danube in Bratislava. In 1996 a new whitewater venue was opened in Čunovo and I decided to switch to canoe slalom.
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Why did you change from flatwater kayaking to canoe slalom?
I think that flat water was too boring for me. First time I saw the white water in Bratislava, I was so excited! I knew that slalom is gonna be much more fun.
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Why do you paddle?
Canoe slalom is an amazing sport. There are no two identical courses in the world. Each of them is unique and that’s what I like. Moreover you can set up a hundreds of gate combinations on each course, which makes each training unique as well.
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What is your favourite course?
Athens. It’s a beautiful and really unique course. It’s pretty wide, with a big drop. I always loved to paddle on this course. The salt water which is running in makes it very special too. And yeah… I made my first World Cup podium on this course.
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What was your best experience in kayaking?
My greatest experience so far was racing at the Olympic Games.
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Who has influenced you the most in your career?
I love to read athletes biographies. Many of them influenced my career and were a big inspiration and motivation for me.
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How was it to get back to training after the birth of your daughter?
It was great to get back on the water after 6 months break. As you can’t forget how to ride a bike, you can’t forget how to paddle. But I must say, that it took me quite a long time to get my body and especially my core back to shape.
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What are your goals and plans for the future?
My biggest goal is to win an Olympic medal. It’s the only medal which I’m missing in my collection.
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Who do you like to follow on Instagram?
Rafa Ortiz. I love those awesome pictures from rivers all around the world and of course the crazy stuff he does.
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What do you like to do when you are not in a kayak?
Windsurfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding and road cycling.