Wakeboarding

Martin Bartalsky – A friend next door

Martin Bartalsky comes from the neighboring Slovakia and knows the Czech Republic very well. As a youngster he skied here in many tournaments, has got many friends here and so he will feel at home at the Europeans. When I recall how hard Martin worked himself up and grep in terms of performances, it comes to my mind that his priority had been to become a world class jumper. I would stay far from claiming that he has not become one but if I have a look at his slalom results, it is clear that he belongs to the elite in the discipline of slalom. What else to say about somebody who has a personal best of 2/58/10,25?
21. 7. 2014

However, Martin can ski well in all three events and so will be a realistic candidate to place high up in Overall. His U21 European Overall Champion title from the year of 2008 supports this notion. Surely Martin would like to win an Elite medal and at best from his neighbors in the Czech Republic who are organising the Europeans for the first time.

What or who comes to your mind when you were to hear the Czech Republic?
Czech republic has always been very close to me. My mom was born in Czech and I have a Czech passport. I have probably skied more tournaments in Czech Republic than in Slovakia. I was originally planning on studying in Prague with some of my buddies in school before I decided to come study to USA. I have always been looking up to Czech skiers as they were always a step ahead of me. I am very pleased that Czech Republic is hosting Open Europeans. I am always very happy to come back for a tournament.

Are you planning on skiing at the 2014 Europeans in the Czech Republic and just how stoked are you about this matter?
Yes, I am definitely planning on skiing in it if everything goes well. I am very happy about it as I can go there earlier and get some good pracice. I also know the site well – It is a beautiful place.

Do you have any special plans as far as your preparation for the event is concerned?
I am planning on skiing at the site for a few days before the tournament. Europeans will probably never be this close to my home, and I would like to use it for my advantage. I will also get to ski with some of my competitors which will hopefully keep me motivated to work hard.

Which discipline do you currently percieve as the strongest?
It has been slalom for the past few years. I would say Overall if it counts. I have been trying to improve in all three events, even though there are not many Overall tournaments anymore.

What do you like most about waterskiing?
I really like the sport itself, but I love the people involved in it. There is nothing better than hanging out with friends at the lake after long day of skiing.

What are your up-to-date goals?
That is a very hard question since I have been struggling with injuries this year. I am trying not to have high expectations. I would definitely like to break some PBs this summer and get on the podium at the Europeans.

Who is your biggest role model?
I admire many people on and off the water. There is one person that helped me more than others – Jaret Llewellyn. His career and everything he has been through has been a huge inspiration for me.

What would you like to tell the fans and spectators who will be attending the Europeans?
It will be a great tournament. There are lots of people involved in the tournament that will make is as good as possible. The site is super nice so I am sure we can be looking forward to some big scores.

Source: http://waterskieuros2014.com

21. 7. 2014

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