Markéta Davidová has been training with the Czech biathlon team for the second month now and is so far pleased with her preparation, experiencing no significant limitations.

In June, for the first time since her herniated disc surgery in March, Davidová rejoined the team, immediately heading to a three-week high-altitude training camp in Lenzerheide. The camp went perfectly:

“It was a successful training camp for Makula. We’re still being cautious and consulting with specialists on everything. Of course, some adjustments were made in her training, but it looked really good,” said women’s coach Lukáš Dostál, according to Bezky.net.

Last week, the team returned from another training camp in Livigno, Italy, which Markéta also attended:

“Makula is a tough one,” says new coach Jakub Procházka.

He adds:

“We mostly have to hold her back. She’s already training at nearly 100%, which is a good sign. But her back does occasionally act up. We’re constantly monitoring it because the training load is high. We might even be more cautious than she is. She’s the type of athlete who always wants to give her maximum and can tolerate pain. At every training camp, we have physiotherapists or massage therapists who constantly monitor how she’s responding to the workouts and when adjustments need to be made.”

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Five months away from the team

Back pain had been troubling Markéta for several weeks before her final race of the season, which took place before Christmas in Hochfilzen, Austria. From one race to the next, the pain kept getting worse. On Saturday, she still performed well, finishing fifth in the pursuit. But afterward, her leg began to tingle.

Team doctor Libor Vítek immediately decided that Markéta should not start in Sunday’s women’s relay. She returned home for an MRI and other necessary tests.

The Czech biathlete missed almost the entire season, including the World Championships in Lenzerheide. She initially tried conservative treatment, but to no avail. She tested her condition at the home World Cup in Nové Město na Moravě, taking part in one race, but eventually had to undergo surgery in March.

Jislová stayed home

On the other hand, Jessica Jislová was unable to join the team in Italy. She has been dealing with ongoing health issues. After the season, she was very fatigued and soon became ill. She managed to complete most of the training camp in Switzerland with minor limitations, but was not in full shape.

Afterward, she rested and underwent medical examinations. She is currently training at home.

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