Hero’s welcome for Sáblíková and coach in hometown

The Olympic speed skating champion Martina Sáblíková was welcomed by cheering crowds in her hometown of Velký Osek after returning from the Games in Vancouver where she won three medals, two gold and one bronze. Her coach Petr Novák, who is Sáblíková’s neighbour, also received a hero’s welcome. Local mayor Jiří Otta presented both with an ornament in the shape of a teardrop produced by local glassmakers inspired, he said, by the tears of her fans. Mr Otta has been pushing for the construction of a dedicated speed-skating arena in Velký Osek. The Czech Republic does not have a facility and Sáblíková and other long-track speed skaters have to train abroad.