The 22-year-old Czech speed skater Martina Sábliková has won gold in both the 3,000 and 5,000 meter distances for women. These are the first Olympic medals her country has ever won in speed skating. Martina is just one of two speed skaters representing the Czech Republic at the Games.
World record holder
Because the Czech Republic does not have a stadium suitable for training long-distance skaters, Martina used to train in wool socks in her parents’ hallway. When she was 14, Martina’s coach encouraged her to work toward two goals: breaking a world record and winning an Olympic medal. In March 2007, Martina set the current women’s world record for both the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races. Now she has two gold medals to go with her world records.
“We have chosen Martina Sáblíková as our partner because we consider her an example of person who, under modest conditions, has achieved the top in her discipline,” says Martin Turek, Aegon’s Marketing Manager in the Czech Republic.
Determination and drive
At the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Martina finished fourth on the 5,000 meter track. Since her first Olympics, she has won three straight world titles in the 5,000 meters in 2007, 2008 and 2009. More recently, trainer Petr Novák has been trying innovations in both technique and equipment. The result should be an even faster Martina in Vancouver.
“We will watch her and keep our fingers crossed that she achieves a deserved victory,” said Ivana Krizková from Aegon’s marketing department in the Czech Republic, speaking shortly before the Games started this weekend. Aegon has sponsored Martina Sáblíková since 2007 and also sponsors speed skating in the Netherlands.
About Aegon Czech Republic
Aegon entered the Czech Republic market in 2005. Aegon Czech Republic offers a variety of products from traditional life insurance to pension funds. Aegon is well-positioned in six countries across Central & Eastern Europe and is continuing to develop a strong distribution network to serve its expanding client base.
