Water slalom skier Tereza Fišerová was the only woman to secure a representative place in the three-member group of singles and kayakers after the penultimate nomination race in Prague’s Troja. She thus defended her performance last year in both categories. “It’s amazing, I didn’t even dream of such a success,” she revealed her joy in an interview with Aktuálně.cz.
How did you feel entering the nomination races in Trnávka and Prague’s Troja?
I didn’t feel very well and I wasn’t in such a shape to finish in the highest place in both categories. However, the harder tracks suit me and, above all, I confirmed once again that when I am under a little stress and there is a certain pressure on me, it will lead to a much better performance than when I am in a relaxed state.
Have there been any changes in your preparation for the season?
With coach Lukáš Kubričan, we continued everything that worked for us last year. We just focused more on getting more power.
Is this a reminder that it will be needed in your “amphibian program”?
It may be a paradox, but the four two-day nomination races were more physically demanding than the ones that await us in the World Cup, where we will have four days to complete them. It will literally be a comfort. (laughs) At the same time, I know very well that I have a very demanding program ahead of me.
What did last year’s experience bring you and how do you want to use it?
They told me that it will mainly be about maintaining mental concentration, but I think I can do it. However, it will certainly be necessary to save energy for races in which points for Olympic qualification will be at stake. Therefore, I will miss some performances in the World Cup and I will concentrate fully on the European Championship at the end of June in Krakow and the World Championship, which will take place in September in London. At these top events, you can get the most points for qualification.
Do you want to battle it out in a canoe or kayak on this trip?
I want. However, when performing in both categories, it will be necessary to limit training a bit and fully concentrate on everything that awaits me in each of them before each race.
What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak to you?
They are two different disciplines and each one has something specific in it. I can’t even say which one I enjoy more because every day is something different.
You also secured a nomination in kayak cross. What does this news mean for you?
It’s a matter of the heart. I like to drive it, I can have a blast in it.
And with what intention are you entering this season?
Enjoy all the rides and see good results in them. Of course, you can’t help but think about the Olympics, but they don’t take place until next year, which is still a long time in which you need to earn your ticket to Paris with constant high-quality performances. If I succeeded in at least one category, I would be happy.
