How do you cope at home when your family has just grown? Is it more challenging?
Of course it is, but it’s manageable. When I’m away and away from home more, it’s going to be a lot harder, but so far so good. Just another great blessing at home.
Do you try to help as much as you can before you leave for training camp?
We have it a bit divided, that I have the older Emča in my room or in our bedroom, and Lucka is in the children’s room with the younger one. Emča still wakes up at night for milk from a bottle, so I deal with it and try to help as much as I can.
How did you choose the name? Are you confused about Ella and Emma?
Of course, this has happened to me many times before… I chose the name because we had an agreement that the woman would choose the boys and I would choose the girls. So I said in advance that I wanted Emma and the second Ella.
How excited is older Emma about her new partner?
She’s very excited, but as usual, she’s a little confused. After all, she doesn’t have the same motor skills as us adults, so we try to calm her down, but she would eat it with love. (smile)
What will it look like when you leave for training?
It looks like the wife’s mom will be coming, which is an ideal option while I’m at training. But I will try to have them with me as much as possible, even in Africa, even if the tiny one will really be still tiny.
You finished this season before the Diamond League finals. Did you have such a plan in mind after the Olympics?
I had it in my head relatively early, because I started the season in March and I knew it would be long. If the Olympics turned out great, I might change the plan. But like this, I had enough not only physically, but also mentally. I sacrificed everything for it, I needed a break and shortening the season by two weeks was not that big of a deal.
Did it help?
It seems like it’s not enough, but I mainly needed to build up my appetite for the next season, because I definitely don’t want to end it. I have motivation to give away, I’m looking forward to the next years and the World Championships in Tokyo. I would like to fight for another medal there, ideally a gold one.
How did you clear your head?
We have a cottage in Strakonicko, so I tried to disappear and go there, ride a bike… I love movement. I’ve never had as much as this year in my life. I made such an interesting little person that I walked over 70 kilometers in the Krkonoše Mountains in one day. I set out with a friend, we copied the Krkonošská Hundred route, we just shortened it. For me, this is relaxation. The head clears.
