After OSTAR 72 I continued my solo
circumnavigation around the world, which
took me three years. Niké was then the
second smallest vessel to complete such
a journey, and it was a significant sports
success, too. More navigation followed, e.g.
sailing with kids around the Baltic sea, the
team race from England to West Australia
(Parmelia Race 1979), and two solo races
circumnavigating the world, BOC Challenge
1982-83 and BOC Challenge 1986-87. Sport
representation again. In one of the races
I won two legs of the race and set five world
records. Many more such events followed,
each of them different and specific in their
very own way.
I decided to stay in the USA with my family
because, after a two-year preparation for
my first solo race around the world, I did
not get the permit to participate, and left for
the race anyway. I won two legs of the race,
placed third, set five world records and was
sentenced to eleven years in a Czech prison.
There was no use coming back home. Yet
I started another race as a Czech again.
The new legislation after the “Velvet Revolution” revoked my citizenship, which I got
back only in early 2015. That is why I now
have dual citizenship, and my family and
I owe the USA for granting us protection
and conditions to work and live in those times when our homeland disowned us.
You come from Bohumín. How do you see
our region and its future?
I have always been proud of my birthplace
and region because it has always been
home to painstaking busy people who often
showed me understanding, respect, and
support. When I lived there, the region was
the most important and powerful region
of our republic. Unfortunately, it dropped
to the bottom in the shake-up following
the Velvet Revolution, and is slowly yet
surely rising thanks to the diligence of local
people. I am absolutely convinced that
it will again become the leading region
because the local population is not afraid
of fair work, no matter how hard.
Niké is in Vítkovice. The U6 Science and
Technology Centre (Malý Svět Techniky
U6) in the Lower Area of Vítkovice is the
new port for the famous boat Niké. Why
did you choose this place, and what else
does the exhibition offer?
Niké was born in this region and this is
where she belongs. Unfortunately, its
destiny takes her to the National Technical
Museum (Národní technické museum)
in Prague. The Lower Area of Vítkovice
is only a temporary stop. The exhibition
introduces the youth to my Niké as well
as its sports achievements and career, it
allows them to learn more about the world,
try out setting the sail or flying our state
flag, and get inspired to make their own
dreams and wishes come true.
Are you preparing a programme, lectures,
or photo exhibition to promote the
exhibit?
The exhibition will include interactive
videos and presentations. I am hoping to
hold meetings and lectures at schools and
with the general public. The exhibition will
open on March 10, 2020, and I sincerely
and cordially invite you to come and see it.
Thank you for the interview.
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