Biography:
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.
Hilgertová’s journey in the world of canoe slalom began in 1988, when she made her international debut. Over the next three decades, she showcased her talent, determination, and skill at the highest level of competition. She represented her country in six consecutive Summer Olympics, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The pinnacle of Hilgertová’s Olympic career came in 1996 and 2000 when she clinched two gold medals in the K1 event. These victories not only showcased her remarkable athleticism but also solidified her status as one of the greatest slalom canoeists of her time.
Beyond the Olympics, Hilgertová excelled at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. She amassed a total of fourteen medals, including seven golds, five silvers, and two bronzes. Her gold medals came in the K1 event in 1999 and 2003, while she also achieved impressive success in the K1 team event, winning gold in 2003, 2005, 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Hilgertová’s dominance extended to the European Championships, where she won a remarkable fifteen medals – seven golds, five silvers, and three bronzes. Her consistent success across different competitions demonstrates her exceptional skill and versatility as a slalom canoeist.
Off the water, Hilgertová’s personal life is just as inspiring. Her husband, Luboš Hilgert, is a former canoe slalom paddler and a multiple medalist from the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. Their son, Luboš, also follows in his parents’ footsteps as an active canoe slalom paddler. Amálie Hilgertová, her niece, is another talented athlete, adding to the family’s rich legacy in the sport.
In October 2017, at the age of 49, Hilgertová announced her retirement from professional sports. However, she expressed her intention to continue competing as an amateur, showcasing her enduring passion for the sport that has been such a significant part of her life.
Hilgertová’s achievements have made her an inspiration and role model for aspiring athletes, particularly women, in the field of canoe slalom. Her dedication and determination have paved the way for future generations, proving that gender is no barrier to success in sports.
Awards:
– Two gold medals in the K1 event at the Summer Olympics (1996, 2000)
– Seven gold medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships (K1: 1999, 2003; K1 team: 2003, 2005, 2010, 2013, 2015)
– Five silver medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships (K1: 1997, K1 team: 1991, 2006, 2007, 2011)
– Two bronze medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships (K1: 2007, K1 team: 1989)
– Two overall World Cup titles (1992, 1998)
– Fifteen medals at the European Championships (7 golds, 5 silvers, 3 bronzes)