In Sports News: Undefeated in 2013, 400m hurdler Hejnová ends frustrating season early over injury; Rosolová looks good for European Championships after great time in 400m hurdles at national championships; cyclist Kreuziger says he will fight back over suspension; and Plzeň win first game of season.
Hurdler Hejnová ends season early over injury
Zuzana Hejnová, photo: Filip Jandourek
Czech Athlete of the Year and undefeated in 2013, 400m hurdler Zuzana Hejnová has had a hugely frustrating 2014. First the reigning world champion was out for months with a metatarsal injury. Then on her way back to fitness Hejnová sustained a heel inflammation. It has refused to go away and at the Czech Athletics Championships in Ostrava at the weekend the 27-year-old pulled out after the heats, telling reporters that she would sit out the rest of the season, including this month’s European Championships in Zurich.
“There’s no point in going there, though I believe I could improve my best time this year by perhaps a second and achieve a time of 54.50 seconds… I’m really not happy about it. My foot hurts a lot and it’s a real struggle. Every step hurts. If I continued now I would spend longer on the treatment table afterwards.”
Rosolová achieves impressive time ahead of European Championships
Denisa Rosolová, photo: CTK
Hejnová’s absence meant her much anticipated head-to-head in the 400m hurdles with Denisa Rosolová didn’t take place and the latter didn’t face any real competition. Nevertheless, Rosolova’s time of 54.63 seconds was the second fastest in Europe this year and augurs well for Zurich.
“I was thinking I might do 54.90 or 54.80 seconds but this really is a super time. I was a little bit worried by the wind. But I said to myself, I’ve got to try, because the weather conditions could be similar in Zurich. There could be rain, hailstones – anything is possible.”
Kreuziger says he will not take suspension lying down
Roman Kreuziger, photo: McSmit, CC BY-SA 3.0
Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger has been hit with a provisional suspension by the International Union of Cycling (UCI) for breaching anti-doping regulations based on his biological passport. Kreuziger is due to face disciplinary proceedings at the UCI, which suspended him on the news that he was about to take part in the Tour of Poland. The 28-year-old, who came fifth in last year’s Tour de France, is fighting back. He told Monday’s Mladá fronta Dnes that the UCI had no right to suspend him and that he would seek damages from cycling’s governing body at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Plzeň win provides relief for Uhrin
Viktoria Plzeň - Jablonec, photo: CTK
Last season’s runners-up in Czech soccer’s top flight Viktoria Plzeň have achieved their first victory this term, a 3:1 home league win over Jablonec at the weekend. The hosts got off to a flying start with two goals in the first quarter of an hour. Jablonec drew one back just before half time but Plzeň sealed the three points with a third strike on 65 minutes. Manager Dušan Uhrin Jr. – who has been under pressure – said it was gratifying to hear fans chant his name. Plzeň are third behind leaders Sparta, who beat Jihlava 3:0, and Slavia, who defeated Ostrava 3:1.
