Author: Martina Kučerová, idnes.cz | Translation: Marie Sehnalová | Proofreading: Nick Harding - There’s no need to introduce someone like Stepanka Hilgertova, her career achievements are breath-taking; countless World Cup podiums and international wins:

• 2 x Olympic Gold (1996, 2000, London 2012 was her 6th Games)
• 2 x World Championship winner (1999, 2003)
• 2 x European Championship title (2000, 2008)

After forty-five years, she is preparing herself to start another season. She posted on her website: "You think you ought to stop trying things because you had a few too many birthdays? I do not," Rocky Balboa. At the end of March, Now she is optimistic and positively-tuned following her training camp in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

How have you enjoyed your training camp in another modern park at Al Ain?

“It was great; stable weather, clear skies, ten hours of sunshine throughout the 28 days we were there – that has to mentally charge you. Where there was nothing else around, we would train a little bit over the regular level. I returned very tired, with literally ‘destroyed’ arms. I recovered quickly. The aim now is to survive this crazy spring. Although I would not even call it spring!”

Did anything surprise you?

“I wasn't sure about local food sources and on some video shots the course did not look ‘ideal’. In the end, everything was at a high level. The resort was initially built for rafting and not for slalom as there are concrete and stone barriers instead of plastic. So the walls were less friendly for our boats but we had to teach ourselves how to deal with them.”

It is said that water is drained 150 km from the sea, desalinated. How was paddling on it?

“In the early days it felt a little bitter, very hard and it degreased our hands, but in the end we did not experience this. I can compare it to the salt water on the Athens Olympic course that was really tough on the eyes.”

How do you deal with the change of climate, from warm (heat) to still lasting Czech winter?

“In UAE we trained till the last minute, so I returned desperately tired. After returning, it was not just the cold, my joints, ligaments and muscles hurt me terribly. I tried to paddle one day, I almost couldn’t lift up the paddle. I took regular slalom sessions again a week after arriving, before my body wouldn’t allow it.”

You posted an image on your Twitter account of you paddling with icicles hanging from her helmet. Is this rare?

“It is relatively rare. Sometimes we do paddle when it is slightly below zero and it does not look so scary. That photo was one day when was pretty windy. Every drop of water froze on the surface of clothing, my hands had suffered, it was a little over the edge. A wet face, icy wind that blows – not too pleasant!”

Isn't it better to skip a few days of training?

“Well, I can't help myself to not keep training. Longer paddling breaks do not suit me, I lose the feeling for the water and other paddling skills become difficult to return to.”

The World Championships will be held this September in Prague. Does this motivate you?

“Everyone asks me; ‘do you want to compete in the Championship at home?’ of course I do, but it was not the predominant factor why I decided to continue with paddling. And so far this gives me no emotions – I have to qualify for the championship first!”

How difficult was the decision to continue with your paddling career?

“This year it was easy. The 2012 season has encouraged me a lot, after three unsuccessful years, I felt that I was again competitive at a top level, I had a good feeling inside from paddling and I enjoyed it. Questions about my quitting are out of the question. Until I announce it officially, I'm in!”

LINKS

• 2013 World Championships Canoe Slalom: www.slalomtroja.cz
• Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/CanoeSlalomPrague
• Website Stepanka Hilgertova: www.hilgertova.cz