People can now see the statue of Věra Čáslavská in front of Tyrš House

Prague - Today, the Czech Sokol Community unveiled a statue of Czech sports icon and seven-time Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská, created by artist David Černý. The statue was a decoration at the Czech House during the Olympic Games in Paris. It is now located in front of the Tyrš House in Prague's Újezd, where people can view it for at least a year. The statue was financially supported by the investment group Rockaway Capital, which handled its production, transport, and installation.

David Černý had previously discussed with Věra Čáslavská whether to place the statue at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. "We knew each other for quite a long time. A great woman. She really liked the idea of permanently placing the statue in Tokyo, and she even wrote to the Japanese emperor about it, who replied that he would support it. It looked very promising. However, then Věra was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and unfortunately, she passed away within half a year of an incredible battle. After her death, Jirka Kejval and I didn't know what to do next. I suggested a change of concept to pay tribute to Věra. But then came COVID and the Olympics without spectators. We decided to implement our idea in 2024 in Paris," he said.

The statue is nearly ten meters tall, weighs 7.5 tons, and is movable. The artwork, made of stainless steel, symbolizes gymnastic movements as well as Čáslavská's sports achievements and life attitudes.

The mayor of the Czech Sokol Community, Martin Chlumský, added that he is very pleased to exhibit this artistic piece. "We are very happy that the statue is dedicated to Mrs. Věra, who was not only the best Czechoslovak and Czech athlete but also a huge moral icon, which is especially important in today's world," he stated.

Věra Čáslavská was a Czech sports gymnast, coach, and sports official, representing Czechoslovakia as a seven-time Olympic champion, four-time world champion, eleven-time European champion, and four-time Sportswoman of the Year in Czechoslovakia. After the Velvet Revolution, she served for six years as the chairwoman of the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee. From 1995 to 2001, she was also a member of the International Olympic Committee.

David Černý is an artist known primarily for creating various controversial and provocative sculptures.