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Bohuslava Kecková, the first woman to earn a medical degree in what is now the Czech Republic, paved the way for future generations of women in medicine. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she obtained her medical degree in 1880 and provided valuable medical care to the Prague community. Her dedication to medicine extended beyond Prague as she served Muslim women in Bosnia and Herzegovina and made a lasting impact on the local community.
Gerty Theresa Cori was a Czech-American biochemist who defied societal expectations to make significant contributions to the field of science. With her husband, Carl Ferdinand Cori, she discovered the mechanism behind glycogen metabolism and the Cori cycle, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947. Despite facing barriers as a woman in science, Gerty’s passion and determination paved the way for advancements in the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Martina Navratilova, the Czech-born American former professional tennis player, is widely recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. With 18 major singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles, and 10 major mixed doubles titles, Navratilova holds the record for the most major titles in the Open Era. Her dominance in women’s tennis during the 1970s and 1980s, along with her strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, has solidified her place as an influential figure in the sport.
Dita Přikrylová is a Czech software engineer and social entrepreneur. She founded Czechitas, a non-profit organization that provides technical education and networking opportunities for women and youth in information technologies. Přikrylová’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry has made a significant impact on society. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the European Citizen’s Prize and the South by Southwest Community Service Award.
Ludmila Slavíková-Kaplanová was a Czech geologist, mineralogist, and crystallographer. She made significant contributions to mineralogy, particularly in her research on pyrargyrite crystals. Despite facing adversity during the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, she actively participated in the resistance movement. Sadly, she was arrested by the Nazis and tragically lost her life in Auschwitz concentration camp. Her legacy as a groundbreaking scientist and a brave resistance fighter continues to inspire generations.
Milena Duchková was a renowned Czech diver born on April 25, 1952, in Prague. She became Czechoslovakia’s first-ever Olympic medalist in any aquatic sport when she won a gold medal in platform diving at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Duchková’s exceptional skills and determination led her to win numerous accolades, including a silver medal in the 1972 Olympics and a gold medal in the European Championships in 1970. Outside of diving, Duchková pursued a medical degree and later became a coach and consultant to diving teams in both Czechoslovakia and Canada. Her legacy as one of the greatest divers of her generation remains an inspiration to aspiring divers around the world.
Jana Novotná, the Czech professional tennis player, was not only known for her skills on the court but also for her sportsmanship and resilience. She triumphed at Wimbledon in 1998, showcasing her talent, dedication, and mental strength. Despite facing challenges, Novotná’s exceptional career left an indelible mark on women’s tennis, inspiring future generations of players. She will forever be remembered and celebrated in the world of tennis.
Hana Mandlíková (born 19 February 1962) is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia who later obtained Australian citizenship. She had a remarkable career, winning four Grand Slam singles titles and achieving several significant milestones in tennis history.
Věra Čáslavská, born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, was a legendary artistic gymnast who achieved remarkable success throughout her career. She is hailed as the most decorated Czech gymnast in history, winning a total of 22 international titles, including seven Olympic gold medals. Čáslavská’s dedication, courage, and resilience make her a true trailblazer and an icon in the world of gymnastics.
Marie Kettnerová, a remarkable Czech international table tennis player, achieved numerous accolades and contributed to the development of the sport. She won 23 World Table Tennis Championships medals from 1933 to 1950, including gold in singles in 1934 and 1935. Kettnerová’s exceptional skills and dedication continue to inspire future generations of table tennis players.
Ester Ledecká, the Czech snowboarder and alpine skier, 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. She became the first person to compete in the Winter Olympics with two different types of equipment and also to win two gold medals in two different disciplines at the same Winter Olympics.
Věra Votrubcová, a former female international table tennis player from Czechoslovakia, made a lasting impact on the sport through her exceptional talent and numerous achievements. Born on June 26, 1917, in Olomouc, Czechoslovakia, Věra Votrubcová displayed great promise from a young age.
Štěpánka Hilgertová, born Štěpánka Prošková on April 10, 1968, in Prague, is a former Czechoslovak-Czech slalom canoeist who achieved great success at the international level. Competing from 1988 to 2017, Hilgertová’s remarkable career includes six Summer Olympics and numerous medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships and European Championships.
Helena Suková, a Czech former professional tennis player, had a successful career spanning over two decades. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style, she reached the top spot in women’s doubles rankings. Suková achieved a career Grand Slam in women’s doubles, won silver medals at the Olympic Games, and played a significant role in the success of Czechoslovakian tennis. Her impact on women’s tennis is undeniable, making her one of the Czech Republic’s greatest tennis players and a true icon in women’s tennis history.
Eva Samková, born Eva Adamczyková, is a renowned Czech snowboarder who achieved remarkable success in her career. Starting at a young age and overcoming challenges, Eva became an Olympic champion, world champion, and three-time junior world champion. Her resilience, determination, and skill have made her a role model for aspiring athletes, especially women in snowboarding.