Jan Štefela becomes first high jumper to win Czech Athlete of the Year

Jan Štefela has made history as the first ever high jumper to be named Czech Athlete of the Year. The 24-year-old earned the honour after an outstanding season crowned by a bronze medal at the World Championships in Tokyo — the only medal for the Czech team.

He also took silver at the European Indoor Championships, set a personal best of 2.33 meters at the European Team Championships in Madrid, and finished second at the Monaco Diamond League meet.

In the Czech Athletics Federation poll, Štefela collected 1,733 points, finishing ahead of pole vaulter Amálie Švábíková and shot-putter Tomáš Staněk.