We are team building for the 2026 Winter Olympics! Biathletes, snowboarders and curlers met at Top Camp

They won't meet in one place at next year's Winter Olympics in Italy. Figure skaters will compete in Milan, curlers and bobsledders in Cortina, biathletes in Anterselva, snowboarders in Livigno. Nevertheless, they will be able to cheer each other on as friends even from a distance. They all met in Poděbrady during the TOP CAMP event - the pre-Olympic training camp for athletes. "It's nice to meet in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a bit of teambuilding because we are one team," said snowboarder Jakub Hroneš.

As an avid golfer, he managed 18 holes at a local course to kick off the Olympic meet, where a number of other athletes tried their game under the guidance of a coach. He then joined the team for bowling in the afternoon. "Sports and games are an integral part of the Top Camp program. The athletes love to compete. And we also try to introduce them to each other's disciplines," said Martin Doktor, head of the Olympic teams.

While before the Games in Paris the representatives got a taste of fencing and archery, for example, this time the summer version of biathlon was on the programme. Laser rifle shooting was complemented by running - including a penalty lap. "I've always said that if I didn't skate, I would do biathlon. But I'll probably change my mind a bit," said figure skater Filip Taschler with a smile afterwards. Olympic biathlon medallist Michal Krčmář added: "Until you try another sport, you won't find out for yourself how it works."

Top Camp was also attended by biathletes Tereza Voborníková and Lucie Charvátová, curlers Lukáš Klípa, Radek Boháč and Marek Černovský, snowboardcrosser Radek Houser, bobsledder Patrícia Tajcnárová and Nordic combined racer Jiří Konvalinka. And along with them, summer athletes - including Olympic medalists from Paris - canoeist Martin Fuksa and fencers Jiří Beran, Jakub Jurka, Martin Rubes and Michal Čupr.

"At the Top Camp we connect summer and winter athletes, because they all make up the Czech Olympic Team, cheer for each other, but also share experiences from different sports, which is enriching," said Martin Doktor, Sports Director of the Czech Olympic Committee.

The athletes set off before breakfast and were joined by the President of the Czech Olympic Committee, Jiří Kejval. They also tried boxing and could go for a yoga class. Of course, they also had access to wellness treatments at the Chariclea Hotel and Spa Poděbrady.

"Top Camp offers sport and relaxation, and meeting in a relaxed atmosphere. We themed the gala dinner in Italian style, including a performance by opera singer Filip Bandzak or a dance based on the Venetian Carnival, because sport and culture belong together. We also try to pass on information to the athletes that can be useful to them during the Olympic Games themselves or in their careers in general," added Martin Doktor.

Furthermore, he introduced the concept of the Winter Olympics in Italy to the Olympians. Doctor Jiří Dostal discussed the alpine preparation with them and physiotherapist Petra Valouchová was available to assist them. During the workshops they could see the Olympic collection or get to know one of the projects of scientific research support of Czech sport - High Performance Program.