Biat athlete Markéta Davidová has described her participation in the recent Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as a major life lesson due to the recurring back injuries that limited her performance. At 29, Davidová shared on Instagram that it is time for her to heal and rediscover joy in life, highlighting the emotional impact of her experiences during the games. Despite being a former world champion, she struggled to maintain her competitive edge and faced significant setbacks during the events.

During the Olympics, she participated in two races, finishing eleventh in the mixed relay after dropping from fifth position and placing 81st in the sprint. The enduring struggle with a herniated disc, a condition she underwent surgery for last year, significantly affected her performance, leading her to end her season prematurely. In light of these challenges, Davidová expressed the need to prioritize her health and well-being over competition.

Support for Davidová came from peers in the sports community, including snowboard cross athlete Eva Adamczyková, who recognized the importance of mental and physical health in sports. This solidarity underscores the increasing acknowledgment among athletes about the impact of chronic injuries and the critical need for recovery periods. Davidová's journey highlights the broader issues athletes face and the conversation around health in elite sports environments.