Famous Czech Sportspersons

Petr Čech is a retired Czech professional footballer and current ice hockey player known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills. He began his senior career at Chmel Blšany before moving to Sparta Prague and then to Rennes in France. Čech's successful stint at Chelsea saw him become one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, winning numerous titles. He also holds several goalkeeping records, including most clean sheets in Premier League history. His international career with the Czech national team was equally impressive, earning him numerous accolades and records.

Jaromír Jágr is a Czech professional ice hockey right winger with an illustrious career spanning over 37 seasons. He has played in various leagues, including the NHL and the KHL, for teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and more. Jágr is known for his exceptional skills and achievements, including winning multiple Stanley Cups, Art Ross Trophies, and being a member of the Triple Gold Club. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history, with numerous accolades and records to his name.

Pavel Nedvěd is a Czech former professional footballer known for his successful career as a midfielder. He achieved numerous domestic and European accolades with Italian clubs Lazio and Juventus, reaching the 2003 UEFA Champions League final. Nedvěd also made significant contributions to the Czech national team, reaching the final of Euro 1996 and captaining them at UEFA Euro 2004. He received prestigious awards such as the Ballon d'Or in 2003 and was recognized for his outstanding performances and leadership on and off the field.

Petra Kvitová is an accomplished Czech professional tennis player known for her powerful left-handed groundstrokes and versatile playing style. With 31 career singles titles, she has secured two major titles at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014. Kvitová also clinched a bronze medal in singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Throughout her career, she has achieved significant milestones, including reaching major semifinals, winning the WTA Championships and Fed Cup, and making history in various tournaments and championships.

Jana Novotná was a highly accomplished Czech professional tennis player known for her serve and volley game, a rare style among women players. She achieved significant success throughout her career, winning the women's singles title at Wimbledon in 1998 and finishing as a runner-up in three other major tournaments. Novotná also excelled in doubles, winning a total of 12 major women's doubles titles and four mixed doubles titles. She reached world No. 2 in singles and held the No. 1 doubles ranking for 67 weeks.

Josef "Pepi" Bican was an Austrian-Czech professional footballer known as one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the sport. He played as a striker for various clubs, including Rapid Vienna, Admira Vienna, Slavia Prague, FC Vitkovice, FC Hradec Králové, and Dynamo Praha. Bican was a member of the Austrian Wunderteam in the 1930s and represented both Austria and Czechoslovakia at international levels. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and received several prestigious awards for his prolific goal-scoring career.

Adam Ondra is a Czech professional rock climber known for his exceptional skills in lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing. He has achieved numerous groundbreaking feats in the climbing world, including being the only male athlete to win World Championship titles in both lead climbing and bouldering in the same year. Ondra has set records by redpointing routes of unprecedented difficulty levels, earning him the reputation as one of the greatest climbers in history, with his achievements widely recognized and admired in the climbing community.

Dominik Hašek is a Czech former ice hockey goaltender known for his exceptional skills and unorthodox playing style. He played in the NHL for teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Ottawa Senators, earning the nickname "The Dominator." Hašek was a two-time Stanley Cup champion and won numerous awards, including multiple Vezina Trophies and a Hart Memorial Trophy. He led the Czech national team to Olympic gold and set records for save percentage and shutouts. Hašek retired in 2012 and was inducted into multiple Hall of Fames, including the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Tomáš Berdych is a retired Czech professional tennis player known for his achievements in the sport. He reached the final of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, defeating top players like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic along the way. Berdych also won the Paris Masters in 2005 and reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. He is one of the few players to have defeated all members of the Big Four in major events. Despite not winning a Grand Slam title, Berdych was ranked World No. 4 in singles in May 2015.

Kristýna Plíšková is a retired professional tennis player from the Czech Republic. Throughout her career, she achieved notable success on both the WTA Tour and the ITF Circuit, winning multiple singles and doubles titles. She reached career-high rankings in both singles and doubles, showcasing her versatility on the court. Plíšková's accomplishments include winning the 2010 Wimbledon Championships junior tournament and setting a record for the most aces in a single match on the WTA Tour. Her skill and dedication have solidified her legacy in the world of tennis.

Lucie Šafářová is a former professional tennis player from the Czech Republic who achieved success in both singles and doubles competitions. She reached world No. 1 in doubles and No. 5 in singles during her career. Šafářová won a total of 15 doubles titles on the WTA Tour, including five Grand Slam championships alongside Bethanie Mattek-Sands. In singles, she claimed seven WTA Tour titles and reached the final of the French Open in 2015. Šafářová was also a key player for the Czech Republic in Fed Cup competition and won a bronze medal in doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Barbora Krejčíková is a Czech professional tennis player known for her aggressive playing style and powerful groundstrokes. She has achieved notable success in both singles and doubles competitions, winning a total of 12 Grand Slam titles, including two in singles, seven in doubles, and three in mixed doubles. Krejčíková has also secured multiple titles on the WTA Tour, including a WTA 1000 level title in singles. She has partnered with Kateřina Siniaková to claim numerous major doubles titles, as well as victories at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 WTA Finals.

Kateřina Siniaková is a highly accomplished Czech professional tennis player with notable achievements in both singles and doubles. She has reached world No. 1 in doubles and No. 27 in singles rankings by the WTA. Siniaková is a nine-time Grand Slam champion in women's doubles, with multiple titles alongside various partners. She has also secured five singles career titles and notably upset top-ranked players in major tournaments. Furthermore, she has been a key member of successful Czech teams, winning the Fed Cup and doubles gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

Věra Čáslavská was a Czechoslovak artistic gymnast and Czech sports official who achieved significant success in gymnastics, winning 22 international titles between 1959 and 1968. She is the most decorated Czech gymnast in history, winning seven Olympic gold medals, four world titles, and eleven European championships. Čáslavská made history by winning the all-around gold medal at two consecutive Olympics and being the first gymnast to achieve a perfect 10 at a major competition post-1952. She holds the record for most individual gold medals among all female athletes in Olympic history. Additionally, she was known for her support of the Czechoslovak democratization movement and opposition to the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, which led to her becoming a persona non grata in the new regime, forcing her into retirement. However, her situation improved in the 1980s with the help of the International Olympic Committee, and after the Velvet Revolution, she held several positions of honor, including serving as president of the Czech Olympic Committee.

Barbora Strýcová is a retired Czech professional tennis player who achieved success in both singles and doubles competitions. She won two Grand Slam doubles titles at Wimbledon and held the world No. 1 ranking in doubles. In singles, she reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and won two WTA singles titles. Strýcová also represented the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup, winning six titles. After announcing her retirement in 2021, she made a comeback in 2023 before playing her last match at the US Open.

Petr Korda is a retired Czech professional tennis player known for his successful career in the 1990s. He achieved significant milestones in his tennis career, including winning the 1998 Australian Open and being a finalist at the 1992 French Open. Korda reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in February 1998. However, his career was marred by a doping scandal when he tested positive at Wimbledon in 1998. He was subsequently banned for 12 months starting September 1999, prompting his retirement from professional tennis.

Karolína Muchová is a Czech professional tennis player with a career-high singles ranking of world No. 8. She turned professional in 2013 and quickly gained recognition by defeating top-ranked players in major tournaments. Notably, she reached the 2023 French Open final, where she finished as the runner-up. Throughout her career, Muchová has showcased her talent by upsetting higher-ranked opponents and making deep runs in prestigious events like Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Her impressive performances continue to solidify her position among the elite in women's tennis.

Jiří Veselý is a Czech professional tennis player known for his achievements on the court. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 35 on 27 April 2015, showcasing his skill and talent in the sport. Veselý has made a name for himself through his performances in various tournaments, displaying a strong competitive spirit and determination. As a professional athlete, he continues to strive for success and make his mark in the world of tennis with his impressive gameplay and dedication to the sport.

Tomáš Rosický is a retired Czech professional footballer known for his midfield prowess. He began his career at Sparta Prague before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2001, helping the team win the league title in his first season. In 2006, he joined Arsenal and made 247 appearances for the club, contributing to their 2014 FA Cup victory. Rosický also captained the Czech Republic national team, earning over 100 caps and participating in multiple UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. Currently, he serves as the sports director of Sparta Prague.

Emil Zátopek was a Czech long-distance runner known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He gained international fame by winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, a feat unmatched by any other athlete. Zátopek was the first runner to break the 29-minute barrier in the 10,000 meters and was known for his tough training methods, popularizing interval training post-World War Two. His unparalleled success led to him being named the Greatest Runner of All Time by Runner's World Magazine in 2013.

Vera Ralston was a Czech figure skater turned actress who later became a naturalized American citizen. She made a successful career in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s, starring in a variety of films. Ralston was known for her talents on the ice as well as her on-screen presence, earning a reputation as a versatile performer. Her work in both figure skating and acting showcased her dedication and skill, making her a memorable figure in the entertainment industry.

Jarmila Kratochvílová is a Czechoslovak former track and field athlete known for her exceptional performances in the 400 meters and 800 meters events. She achieved great success in 1983 by winning both events at the World Championships and setting a world record in the 400 meters. Kratochvílová's world record in the 800 meters, set in the same year, still stands today and holds the distinction of being the longest-standing unshared individual world record in athletics. Her remarkable achievements continue to be revered in the world of track and field.

Marek Jankulovski is a Czech former professional footballer known for his successful career as a versatile defender. He achieved notable success by winning the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan and being named the 2007 Czech Footballer of the Year. With 77 caps for the Czech Republic, he represented his country in various prestigious tournaments. Jankulovski was recognized for his quick, tenacious playing style, exceptional technical abilities, and skillful crossing, making him a valuable asset on the field throughout his career.

Milan Baroš is a retired Czech professional footballer who played as a forward. He had successful stints with clubs like Liverpool, Lyon, Portsmouth, and Galatasaray, winning various titles including the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, FA Cup, and Süper Lig. Baroš also played for Baník Ostrava and Aston Villa during his career. Internationally, he represented the Czech Republic in 93 matches, scoring 41 goals. He won the Golden Boot at Euro 2004 and participated in multiple major tournaments, leaving a lasting impact on Czech football.

Linda Fruhvirtová is a talented Czech professional tennis player known for her impressive singles and doubles rankings on the WTA Tour. She made her WTA Tour main-draw debut in 2020 at the Prague Open with a wildcard entry. In 2022, she secured her first singles title at the Chennai Open, showcasing her skill and determination on the court. With a career-high ranking in singles and doubles, Fruhvirtová continues to make a name for herself in the competitive world of professional tennis.

Matěj Vydra is a Czech professional footballer known for his role as a striker for Viktoria Plzeň and the Czech Republic national team. Throughout his career, Vydra has played for several clubs including FC Chotěboř, Vysočina Jihlava, Baník Ostrava, Club Brugge, Udinese, Watford, Derby County, and Burnley. Notably, he had two loan spells at Watford, showcasing his versatility and goal-scoring abilities. Vydra's contributions to various teams have solidified his reputation as a skilled and dynamic player in the world of football.

Anna Kellnerová is a highly accomplished Czech showjumper, known for her impressive achievements in national and international competitions. With two Czech junior national championships and two Czech national championships in the young riders category, she has proven herself to be a talented and dedicated athlete. Her participation in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo further solidifies her status as a top competitor in the equestrian world. Kellnerová's career is marked by a strong work ethic, exceptional skill, and a passion for the sport.

Jan Koller is a former professional footballer from the Czech Republic known for his height, strong physique, and heading ability. Starting at Sparta Prague, he later played in Belgium, winning the league championship twice with Anderlecht. Joining Borussia Dortmund in 2001, he won the Bundesliga title in his first season and scored 73 goals in 167 games. He also played in France, Germany, and Russia. Koller is the all-time top scorer for the Czech national team, with 55 goals in 91 appearances.

Karolína Plíšková is a Czech professional tennis player known for her powerful serve and forehand. She has achieved significant success in both singles and doubles competitions, winning a total of 17 singles and five doubles titles on the WTA tour, as well as 10 singles and six doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. Plíšková reached the world No. 1 ranking in singles in 2017 and has accumulated over $25 million in prize money. She has also competed in Grand Slam finals and represented the Czech Republic in Fed Cup competition.

Zdeňka Podkapová is a renowned Czech adult model, actress, and former gymnast. With a successful career in the adult entertainment industry, she has gained recognition for her beauty and talent. Known for her elegant and sophisticated presence, Zdeňka has captivated audiences worldwide through her work as a model and actress. Her background as a former gymnast has contributed to her physical grace and poise, enhancing her performances and establishing her as a notable figure in the industry.

Ester Ledecká is a versatile athlete known for her accomplishments in both alpine skiing and snowboarding. She made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics by winning gold medals in the super-G in alpine skiing and the parallel giant slalom in snowboarding, a feat never achieved before. She is recognized for being the first person to compete in the Winter Olympics using both skis and a snowboard and winning two gold medals in the process. Additionally, she was the first Czech to win the parallel giant slalom in snowboarding at the FIS Snowboard World Cup.

Tomáš Plekanec is a Czech former professional ice hockey centre known for his career primarily with the Montreal Canadiens and brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Drafted by the Canadiens in 2001, he spent time with their AHL affiliate before joining the NHL full-time in 2005. By the end of his NHL career, Plekanec had played over 1,000 games and ranked seventh in all-time games played for the Canadiens. He was also recognized for his trademark turtleneck undershirt during games.

Lukáš Rosol is a retired professional tennis player from the Czech Republic. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 26 in September 2014. Rosol gained recognition for notable victories against top-ranked players like Jürgen Melzer at the 2011 French Open and Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2012. He was also part of the Czech Republic's Davis Cup winning team in 2012 and won his first tour-level title in April 2013. Rosol was involved in the longest ATP doubles match in 2013 before retiring in April 2024.

Patrik Berger is a retired Czech professional footballer known for his versatile skills as a midfielder and forward. He began his career in Slavia Prague, moving on to Borussia Dortmund in Germany before spending seven successful years at Liverpool in England, where he won four trophies. Berger also played for Portsmouth, Aston Villa, and Stoke City before returning to his native Czech Republic to play for Sparta Prague. Internationally, he represented the Czech Republic in major tournaments, showcasing his talent with powerful strikes and surging runs. Berger retired in 2010 due to knee injuries.

Marie Bouzková is a talented Czech professional tennis player known for her impressive singles and doubles performances on the WTA Tour. With multiple titles to her name, including a singles victory at the 2022 Prague Open, she has shown great skill and determination on the court. Bouzková's career highlights include winning the 2014 US Open girls' singles title and reaching the semifinals of the 2019 Rogers Cup. Her success extends to doubles as well, winning titles with partners like Lucie Hradecká at events such as the 2021 Birmingham Classic.

Michal Neuvirth is a retired Czech ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his career, Neuvirth showcased his skills as a reliable goalie, earning a reputation for his quick reflexes and agility on the ice. He made significant contributions to each team he played for, leaving a lasting impact on the NHL.

Tomáš Necid is a Czech professional footballer known for his role as a striker for Viktoria Žižkov. With a successful career in the sport, Necid has showcased his skills on the field through his impressive goal-scoring abilities and strategic gameplay. His contributions to various teams have earned him recognition as a talented player in the football world. Necid's dedication and passion for the game have solidified his reputation as a valuable asset to any team he plays for.

Jaroslav Plašil is a retired Czech professional footballer known for his midfield prowess. He had successful stints in France with Monaco and Bordeaux, featuring prominently in Ligue 1 with over 400 appearances. Plašil notably captained Bordeaux to a Coupe de France triumph in 2012-13. He also played in Spain for Osasuna and had a loan spell at Catania in Italy. With 103 caps for the Czech Republic, he participated in multiple UEFA European Championships and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Jaroslav Drobný was a versatile athlete who excelled in both tennis and ice hockey. He achieved success as a world No. 1 amateur tennis player and won prestigious titles such as the French Open and Wimbledon Championships. He made history as the only player with African citizenship to achieve these victories. Drobný also represented Czechoslovakia in ice hockey, showcasing his skills on an international level. His accomplishments in both sports led to his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame.

Jan Železný is a Czech former track and field athlete renowned for his exceptional career in the javelin throw. As a World and Olympic champion, he holds the world record with a remarkable throw of 98.48 meters. Regarded as the greatest javelin thrower of the modern era, Železný achieved the fourth, fifth, and sixth best performances of all time. Throughout his career, he broke the world record an impressive total of four times, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.

David Lafata had a successful career as a professional footballer, primarily playing as a forward. He showcased his skills on the field consistently throughout his career. Lafata was known for his goal-scoring abilities and his contribution to various teams he played for. He gained recognition for his talent, work ethic, and performances on the pitch. Lafata's dedication and passion for the sport were evident in his professional endeavors, making him a respected figure in the world of football.

Jan Veselý is a versatile Czech professional basketball player known for his ability to play both power forward and center positions. He currently plays for FC Barcelona in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. Veselý was selected sixth overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, showcasing his talent on an international stage. With three selections to the All-EuroLeague First Team, Veselý has established himself as a top player in European basketball, contributing his skills to various teams throughout his career.

Markéta Vondroušová is a successful Czech professional tennis player with a career-high singles ranking of No. 6 by the WTA. She made history by winning the Wimbledon tournament in 2023 as an unseeded player, becoming the first woman to do so. Vondroušová was also a runner-up at the 2019 French Open. She has won two singles titles out of six finals on the WTA Tour and achieved a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Known for her quick breakthrough on the tour, Vondroušová is a former junior world No. 1 and excels in her signature shot, the drop shot.

Nicole Vaidišová Štěpánková is a Czech former professional tennis player known for her powerful serve and groundstrokes. She was an Australian Open and French Open semifinalist, as well as a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Vaidišová trained at Nick Bollettieri's tennis academy and entered the top 10 rankings at the age of 17. Despite achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 7 in 2007, her form declined leading to her retirement in 2010. She briefly returned to the sport in 2014 before retiring again in 2016 due to injuries.

Vera Menchik was a renowned chess player who was the Women's World Chess Champion from 1927 to 1944. She was the first woman to compete in master-level tournaments with the world's best players, achieving notable successes against male competitors. Menchik's dominance in women's chess was evident through her multiple victories in round-robin tournaments and her impressive winning streaks. Her legacy is honored through the Vera Menchik Cup, awarded to the winning team at the Women's Chess Olympiad.

Jan Kodeš is a Czech former professional tennis player known for his success in the early 1970s. He was a three-time major singles champion, with notable victories at the French Open and Wimbledon. Kodeš reached a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 5 and won a total of nine top-level singles titles and 17 doubles titles during the Open Era. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1990 and received the Czech Fair Play Award in 2013.

Tereza Martincová is a Czech professional tennis player known for her success on both the WTA Tour and ITF Circuit. With one WTA doubles title and four ITF singles titles to her name, she has demonstrated her skill and determination on the court. In February 2022, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 40, showcasing her progression and talent in the sport. Additionally, Martincová reached a peak of world No. 77 in the WTA doubles rankings in August 2022, further solidifying her position as a competitive player in the tennis world.

Tomáš Kalas is a Czech professional footballer who plays primarily as a centre-back for Schalke 04 and the Czech Republic national team. He began his career at Sigma Olomouc before signing with Chelsea. Kalas has had loan spells at several clubs including Vitesse Arnhem, 1. FC Köln, Middlesbrough, Fulham, and Bristol City before transferring to Bristol City permanently. He has represented the Czech youth international teams and made his senior international debut in 2012, earning a spot in the Czech Republic squad for UEFA Euro 2020.

Radek Štěpánek is a Czech former professional tennis player known for his impressive career in both singles and doubles. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 8 and a doubles ranking of world No. 4. Notable highlights include reaching two Masters 1000 event finals, quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2006, and winning Grand Slam titles in doubles at the Australian Open and US Open. He also made significant contributions to the Czech Republic's Davis Cup victories in 2012 and 2013, and later transitioned into coaching top players like Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov.

Antonín Panenka is a Czech retired footballer known for his career as an attacking midfielder primarily with Bohemians Prague and Austrian clubs like Rapid Wien. He achieved fame for his iconic winning penalty kick in the UEFA Euro 1976 final, pioneering the "panenka" style of softly-chipped shots. Panenka's success continued with accolades such as the Czechoslovak Footballer of the Year award in 1980. His contributions to Czechoslovakia's national team, including a third-place finish at Euro 1980, solidified his legacy as a skilled and innovative player.

Vladimír Darida is a Czech professional footballer known for his role as a central midfielder. He currently plays for Aris Thessaloniki in the Super League Greece. Darida has represented the Czech Republic national team from 2012 to 2021, showcasing his skills on the international stage. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility, vision, and technical ability on the field, earning recognition for his contributions to both club and country. Darida's presence in midfield has been instrumental in shaping the success of the teams he has played for.

David Rozehnal had a successful professional football career as a defender, playing for various European clubs. Over nearly two decades, he accumulated more than 400 appearances on the field. His contributions to the sport were notable, showcasing his skills and dedication to the game. Rozehnal retired from professional football in April 2018, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and talent that earned him recognition among fans and peers alike.

Vít Krejčí is a Czech professional basketball player currently signed with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA on a two-way contract, allowing him to also play for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League. Known for his skills on the court, Krejčí has shown versatility and potential as a promising player in the league. With his dedication and hard work, he continues to make strides in his professional career, aiming to make a significant impact in the world of basketball.

Tomáš Satoranský is a versatile Czech professional basketball player for FC Barcelona in the Spanish Liga ACB and EuroLeague. Standing at 6 ft 7 in, he excels at the point guard position but also showcases his skills as a shooting guard or small forward. His height and wingspan allow him to adapt to different roles on the court, making him a valuable asset to his team. Satoranský's athleticism, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute in multiple positions have solidified his reputation as a key player in the league.

Daniel Pudil is a retired Czech professional footballer who played primarily as a left back or left winger. He represented the Czech Republic national team and had a successful career playing for various clubs across Europe, including Watford, Granada, and Sheffield Wednesday. Pudil is known for his versatility, solid defensive skills, and attacking contributions on the field. He currently remains involved in football as a player for the Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Hallam, where he continues to showcase his experience and talent.

Kia Vaughn is a retired American professional basketball player who last played for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. She had a successful career, starting with her time at St. Michael's All Girls High School in New York. Vaughn continued to excel at Rutgers University before entering the professional ranks. Known for her skills on the court, she contributed significantly to her teams throughout her career. Vaughn's presence in the WNBA added depth and talent to the league, leaving a lasting impact on women's basketball.

Václav Kadlec had a successful professional football career as a forward, primarily playing for clubs in the Czech Republic and Germany. He was known for his speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Kadlec represented the Czech national team at various levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage. Throughout his career, he played in top European leagues and competitions, gaining valuable experience and earning recognition for his contributions to the sport. Kadlec's retirement marked the end of a memorable chapter in Czech football history.

Karel Poborský is a Czech former professional footballer known for his technical ability and pace as a winger. He began and ended his club career at Dynamo České Budějovice, with his number 8 kit retired in his honor. Poborský won Czech First League titles with Slavia and Sparta Prague, a Premier League title with Manchester United, and also played for Benfica and Lazio. He made 118 appearances for the Czech national team, featuring in multiple European Championships and the World Cup.

Jiří Fischer is a former professional ice hockey defenseman who played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. After retiring as a player due to heart problems, he transitioned into a role as Detroit's Director of Player Evaluation. He was selected in the first round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and was part of the Red Wings team that won the 2002 Stanley Cup. Fischer also served as an assistant coach for the Czech Republic during the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships.

Květoslava Peschke, also known as Peschkeová, is a Czech former professional tennis player who achieved success in both singles and doubles. She reached world No. 1 in doubles and had a career-high singles ranking of No. 26. Peschke won numerous titles on the WTA Tour, including a Grand Slam title at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships. She was part of the world No. 1 doubles team and was known for her longevity in the sport, reaching the Wimbledon doubles final in 2018 and winning her final tour-level title in 2021.

František Plánička was a legendary Czech football goalkeeper who spent his entire career with Slavia Prague, achieving great success with eight Czech league titles and a Mitropa Cup win. He also represented the Czechoslovakia national team, notably as captain during the 1934 and 1938 World Cup finals. Plánička was known for his exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, and sportsmanship, having never been cautioned or sent off during his 20-year career. His remarkable achievements earned him accolades such as the UNESCO International Fair Play Award and recognition as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Jiří Hudler is a retired Czech professional ice hockey forward who played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars. He began his career in the Czech Extraliga before being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. Hudler won the Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008 and also spent time playing for Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) before the team merged to form UHC Dynamo.

Pavel Srníček was a Czech football coach and former professional player known for his career as a goalkeeper from 1990 to 2007. He played in the Premier League for clubs such as Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, and West Ham United. Additionally, he played in Serie A for Brescia, Serie B with Cosenza, in Portugal for Beira-Mar, and in his native country for Baník Ostrava. Srníček also served as a goalkeeping coach for his private school and AC Sparta Prague. Internationally, he earned 49 caps for the Czech Republic, playing in UEFA Euro 1996, FIFA Confederations Cup 1997, and UEFA Euro 2000.

Radim Vrbata is a Czech former professional ice hockey right winger with a 16-year career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted in 1999 by the Colorado Avalanche. Throughout his NHL career, Vrbata played for various teams including the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, and Florida Panthers. He was recognized for his skills and achievements by being selected as an NHL All-Star in 2015.

Václav Pilař is a Czech professional footballer known for his role as a winger for Hradec Králové. He has also represented the Czech Republic at the international level during the period from 2011 to 2015. Throughout his career, Pilař has showcased his skills and versatility on the field, earning recognition for his contributions to the sport. His commitment and talent have made him a valuable asset both for his club and his national team, leaving a mark in the world of football.

Tomáš Fleischmann is a Czech former professional ice hockey winger known for his time in the National Hockey League (NHL). Throughout his career, he played for multiple teams, most notably the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers. Fleischmann was recognized for his offensive skills and versatility on the ice. He was known for his ability to contribute offensively, scoring goals and setting up plays for his teammates. Fleischmann's experience in the NHL allowed him to showcase his talent and make significant contributions to his teams.

Petr Koukal is a prominent Czech badminton player known for his skill and achievements in the sport. With a career spanning several years, he has competed in various national and international tournaments, showcasing his talent and dedication to badminton. Koukal has consistently performed well in competitions, earning titles and recognition for his exceptional gameplay. His professionalism and commitment to the sport have made him a respected figure in the badminton community, inspiring aspiring players and fans alike.

Regina Rajchrtová, also known as Regina Kordová, is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia. She represented her native country at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Throughout her career, she achieved a notable world ranking high of 26 on 1 April 1991. Rajchrtová's dedication to the sport and her competitive spirit allowed her to compete at the highest levels of tennis, showcasing her talent and determination on the international stage.

Jiří Welsch is a Czech former professional basketball player known for his time with BK Pardubice in the Czech Republic National Basketball League. He also represented the Czech Republic national basketball team. Welsch played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2002. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills on both domestic and international stages, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball community with his talent and dedication.

Josef Masopust was a legendary Czech football player and coach, known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder. He played a pivotal role for Czechoslovakia, notably helping them reach the 1962 FIFA World Cup Final. With 63 caps and ten goals for his national team, Masopust made a lasting impact in international football. His achievements include being named European Footballer of the Year in 1962, selected as the Golden Player by the Czech Football Association, and recognized by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers. Masopust is revered as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport.

Tomáš Sivok is a Czech former professional footballer known for his versatility in playing as a centre-back or midfielder. Throughout his career, he made 64 appearances for the Czech national team and scored 5 goals. Sivok's skill and dedication on the field earned him a reputation as a reliable and consistent player. He was a key contributor to his club teams, showcasing his defensive prowess and leadership qualities. Sivok's impact on Czech football is recognized by fans and fellow players alike.

Ivan Hašek is a Czech professional football coach and former player known for his successful career with Sparta Prague, where he played as a central midfielder and later served as manager. He also represented Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup and held the position of president of the Football Association of the Czech Republic. Hašek later transitioned to coaching, working with clubs in the Middle East before becoming the coach of Lebanon in 2021. In 2024, he returned to the Czech Republic to manage the national football team.

Kateřina Emmons is a highly accomplished Czech sport shooter known for her exceptional skills and numerous achievements in international competitions. She has showcased her talent on the Olympic stage by winning three Olympic medals, including a gold and a silver. Emmons has also excelled at the ISSF World Shooting Championships, securing a gold and a silver medal in the 10 metre air rifle competition. Her dedication, precision, and competitive spirit have solidified her reputation as one of the top sport shooters in the world.

Václav Svěrkoš is a retired Czech professional footballer known for his role as a striker. He gained recognition for being the opening scorer in the Euro 2008 tournament. Throughout his career, Svěrkoš showcased his skills on the field, earning a reputation for his goal-scoring abilities and contribution to his teams. He played for various clubs, both domestically and internationally, leaving a lasting impact on the football community with his talent and achievements.

Jiří Procházka is a highly accomplished Czech mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and previously won titles in organizations such as Rizin Fighting Federation and Gladiator Fighting Championship. Known for his skill and dominance in the octagon, Procházka has achieved the top ranking in the UFC light heavyweight division as of April 16, 2024, solidifying his status as one of the best fighters in the world.