Czech Pro Team athlete Sandra Schützová is enjoying a remarkable Ski Classics season, coming very close to podium finishes on several occasions. In addition, a significant dream will come true for her in February, when she will compete at her first Olympic Games. But it does not come without sacrifice.

Sandra Schützová delivered a strong result in Ski Classics. At Engadin La Diagonela, she once again placed herself among the top athletes, and while the final result may look like a step back on paper, she sees it very differently.

“It was my best performance in Ski Classics so far. Of course, finishing fifth might look like a disappointment. But I see it the other way around. I stayed with the front group almost all the way to the finish, which means I moved one step closer to the podium,” Schützová explains to Bezky.net.

She admits the emotions at the finish were mixed at first, but a positive feeling has gradually taken over.

“It was very close to a great result, but performance-wise I’ve improved to the point where, if I stay patient and keep following the plan my coach Martin Vrabec and I have set, I believe it will come.”

Read More: Strong performances and sprint finishes define Engadin La Diagonela

A dream Olympic Games

Alongside her results in long-distance skiing, Schützová is experiencing a special period in her career. An Olympic appearance lies ahead, and for her it represents far more than just another start.

“For me, it means a lot more. It’s a dream come true, one I had actually put aside and accepted that I would take a different path and find another goal,” she says openly. “But in the spring, circumstances played a big role, and I dusted off that old dream and told myself I would go for it,” explains the Jilemnice native.

Also Read: Czech cross-country skiing team confirmed for the 2026 Winter Olympics

The road back to an Olympic vision was anything but easy. “It was a huge challenge, considering that I’ve been racing long-distance events for five years now, mostly double-poling everything except Reistadløpet. So, the fact that it worked out is a big reward for me.”

Schützová has been outside the national team structure for a long time, which raised questions about communication with the Czech team. She confirms that contact is now established.

“Yes. We’ve been in touch ever since I decided to fight for an Olympic nomination,” she clarifies, referring to her cooperation with national team coach Vasil Husák.

Forced to skip a home race

The Olympic journey also brings difficult decisions. Due to obligations linked to her participation in the Olympic Games, Schützová will miss her favorite home race, the Jizerská50, where she regularly achieves strong results and finished eighth last year.

“Skipping Jizerská is something I’ve been struggling with from the very first moment that decision was made. This year, I really felt that a podium there was possible. So, we’ll have to wait one more year for that,” she says with a smile.

She explains that it’s not only about sporting planning, but mainly about the rules and commitments that come with the Olympics.

“I think convincing the coach would probably be the easiest part. He knows how important it is to me, and I believe he would prepare me so I could still race well at the Olympics. But the main reason I can’t start Jizerská50 is that my Olympic duties begin on January 30. These don’t allow participation in other events, due to partner commitments and, of course, isolation requirements to ensure health safety so that I wouldn’t put other athletes in the Olympic Village at risk.”

As for her Olympic ambitions, she is clear about where she wants to shine most.

“I’m definitely focusing on the 50km classic,” she says without hesitation.

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