If you ask Slovaks on the streets who they are most proud of from their country, you can be sure of two things: a name associated with hockey, cycling, or skiing will come up. Which personalities hold a permanent place in the hearts of Slovaks?
Hossa, Chára, Demitra – hockey legends
Hockey holds a special place in Slovakia. In many Slovak households, hockey is more than just a sport – it’s a family tradition. One of the most significant achievements of the Slovak national hockey team is the gold medal at the 2002 World Championship held in Sweden. Under the leadership of coach Ján Filc, the Slovaks managed to defeat strong teams such as Sweden, Finland, and, in a dramatic final, Russia. This triumph is considered an unsurpassed milestone in Slovak hockey history and remains a source of national pride. The decisive goal was scored by Peter Bondra with 100 seconds left in the game, assisted by Žigmund Pálffy. Miroslav Šatan was the tournament’s top scorer with 13 points. Apart from this and other successes in hockey, Slovaks are also proud of the many players who have made their mark in the NHL, the most prestigious hockey league in the world. Players like Marián Hossa, Zdeno Chára, and Pavol Demitra have not only excelled in Slovakia but also internationally. Zdeno Chára, who significantly contributed to the success of the Boston Bruins, brought further pride to Slovakia when he won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Peter Sagan – a cycling icon
One of the most famous Slovak athletes in the world is undoubtedly Peter Sagan. This three-time world champion in road cycling and winner of several stages of the Tour de France is among the most dominant riders of his generation. Not only did Sagan become a world champion, but his fun personality and charisma made him an icon of the sport.
Dominika Cibulková – a tennis role model
Looking at other sporting successes, we cannot overlook Dominika Cibulková, who became one of the best tennis players of her era. Her energy and determination on the court brought her many significant victories, including reaching the final of the Australian Open in 2014.
Petra Vlhová – a world- class Slovak skier
Petra Vlhová is another icon of Slovak sport. One of the greatest achievements that Slovakia will never forget is Petra’s victory in the 2020/2021 Alpine Skiing World Cup. Petra also became the first Slovak to win the large crystal globe, the highest award in this sport. Another unforgettable moment was her victory at the World Alpine Skiing Championships in Åre in 2019, where she won the gold medal in giant slalom. Petra can also boast of several victories in individual World Cup races, especially in slalom disciplines. Her humility, determination, and resilience make her an inspiration to many sports talents.