Katerina enters the Elite category with this season and she will kick-start her new challenge by striving to make the team for the Open Europeans held for the very first time in the Czech Republic, Melice. At the Youth Europeans last year a podium finish was snapped from within the reach of her hand. Katerina succeeded in making the podium in the U19 Cable Europeans. In the Vysocina Region she has collected a variety of sports awards and is already in diligent preparation for this season. The first competition where it is possible to test the performance are coming fast.
In the last season she improved her PB in Tricks to a respectable 5650 points and broke the 5000-point barrier six times altogether. Interesting about this information is predominantly the fact that such a performance, that is on the border of feasibility with regard to our young lady representing the Czech Republic, may be a ticket to participate in the Open Europeans final rounds.
Katerina is well aware of this reality and that is also why she worked very hard on herself all Winter long and modified her Spring tune-up accordingly. She traveled to the US to squeeze some sets in at the prestigious Cory Pickos Waterski school under the oversight of Czech Slalom no. 1 Daniel Odvarko. Last but not least, she tried to boost also other events to strengthen the Overall and subsequently stepping the game up to possibly get a place in the national Team Czech.
Do you consider the possible attendance of the first Europeans at home as a top event of this season?
Yes, I am looking forward to practicing and competing very much. It would be cool to ski with the boys from the States and experience the atmosphere for the first time. The atmosphere that will surely be much bigger than at the Youth Europeans. I am happy that specifically my first Europeans participation would be at home.
Would your friends and classmates come to support you?
I hope so. I have in fact already invited a bunch of them, so we shall see. My family will be there to support me, no doubt about it. I think that the majority of waterskiing friends are coming too to enjoy it alongside us.
How was your Winter preparatory period?
My Winter time was fun in the first place and I definitely did not underestimate it. It took all sorts during the week. Twice a week I would go to a gymnastic hall to do parkour and acrobatics. I did flips, turns and somersaults. It is my passion that is also very helpful in tricks on the water. Also I attended athletics practices. I began to pole vault and grep my fitness levels. Pole vault is a real fun, but also grind. You need speed, strength, dexterity, technique, but also timing. Over the week I would occasionally visit the gym or jump on the rope.
When did you start skiing in this season?
This year has marked a real record in kick-starting the season. I first jumped on the water on the 2nd of March. Then I skied just a couple of sets to strengthen my maces before flying off to the US.
How long did you spend in the US and how did you go about the Winter/Spring preparatory period?
In Florida I spent a month practicing in the Cory Pickos Waterski School. I skied five times a week under the supervisit of Cory, Dan Odvarko and sometimes Martin Kolman. They were all very helpful and I think this season started well.
What are your target performances for this year?
Normally I do not set performance goals for myself, but I have undoubtedly got some ideas. I would like to improve my jumping. Not only as far as distance is concerned, but also regarding feeling and certainty. It is also my intention to add some distance. Tricks is always quite difficult but I am starting to work on some new movements that I would like to put into the program still before the Championship.
What do you think about the chances of the Czech team?
I know we have got excellent skiers and Czech team certainly has a potential of reaching podium finishes. Let us see how people fare and whether we can leverage home environment our way.
How do you see your chances at the European Championships?
For me just taking part in the Europeans will be a great result. I will be more than content if I make the team and help them a little bit. Also, I would like to ski what I can and not embarrass myself. This will do.
What would you to tell the fans, spectators and the public that are getting ready for the Europeans?
That they are definitely in for a ride because the lake premises are truly beautiful and the organizers will by all means ensure they are entertained to the highest level. We would be very happy if they support us and help create a pleasant atmosphere.
