Olympic Diary: The South Bohemian Festival Beckons with Curling and Meetings with Stars. Visitors Await Euphoria Like on Staromák
The Olympic festival in České Budějovice has attracted tens of thousands of visitors, offering them a chance to meet Czech Olympians and try out multiple winter sports.
The Olympic festival in České Budějovice is currently in its second week and has drawn over 60,000 attendees, making it a lively gathering for sports enthusiasts. As part of the festivities, people have the opportunity to watch live Olympic events on screens at the local exhibition grounds, participate in various winter sports, and meet both current and former Olympians. This year marks the seventh iteration of the festival, which originally started in 2014 under the name Olympic Park in Prague.
Despite the festival's excitement, there have been challenges for some Czech athletes. The curling team has struggled to find success, while the ice hockey team is in search of a partner for star player David Pastrňák. Additionally, Slovak skier Marek Müller did not finish his slalom race, similar to a leading Norwegian skier who sought solitude in the woods to process his emotions after a disappointing performance. Participants of the festival enjoy a rollercoaster of emotions as they cheer for their favorite athletes and reflect on the highs and lows of Olympic competition.
This year's festival is not just a celebration of Olympic sports but also a community event, filled with hundreds of volunteers and thousands of visitors who come together to share their love for sports. The joy and camaraderie among fans create a euphoric atmosphere reminiscent of major public celebrations, highlighting the unifying power of sports and the thrill of the Olympic spirit.