GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Oct. 6, 2023) – Join the City of Gainesville in welcoming former World Rowing Under 23 Champion and NCAA bronze medalist Daniela Nacházelová for a meet-and-greet Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Lake Lanier Olympic Park (LLOP).
The engaging conversation, hosted by the Greater Gainesville Sports Alliance (GGSA) in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic – Atlanta and Lake Lanier Rowing Club, will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and will double as a book signing for the athlete-turned-author.
“Since rowing is the City of Gainesville’s No. 1 driver of sports tourism, we’re so honored to have someone of Ms. Nacházelová’s talent and influence visiting our world-class rowing venue and the site of the 1996 Olympic Rowing and Canoe/Kayak competitions,” said Tourism Director Robyn Lynch, who oversees GGSA.
Organized as part of Czech Sports Diplomacy Days Oct. 16-18 in Atlanta, the Washington State University alumna will talk endurance, grit, curiosity and strong values – key ingredients in her journey from her first strokes on the Vltava River in her homeland of Prague, Czech Republic; to securing a rowing scholarship at her alma mater; to collecting medals at the World Rowing Cup and World Rowing Championships. Nacházelová will share the peaks and valleys she endured while chasing her Olympic dream and every moment in between.
“We are thrilled to invite you to a special afternoon with Daniela Nacházelová as she takes us on a journey through her remarkable experiences in the world of rowing,” released the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic – Atlanta. “Hailing from a former communist country, Daniela has faced unique challenges, and she's here to share her inspiring story of perseverance and triumph. As the author of ‘Hidden Voices in Rowing,’ Daniela challenges the conventional belief in talent, emphasizing the power of unwavering dedication and focus.”
During her visit, Nacházelová will shed light on the struggles of female professional rowers, highlighted in her debut book “Women’s Voices in Rowing” (2020), and why the system needs to change for future generations of all athletes – not just rowers in the Czech Republic. Her book’s mission – featuring 14 women, 14 rowers and 14 stories – is to “give a voice to the women in the sport and inspire the next generation of female rowers by showing them the strong women who blazed the trail.”
Nacházelová also authored “Hidden Voices in Rowing” (2022), vastly influenced by the life and work of rower Larry Gluckman, a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic team and USRowing teams in 1967-68, 1973 and 1975. “Hidden Voices in Rowing” is a distinctive selection of voices you’ve probably never heard of, Nacházelová states in the book, “yet they’re truly inspirational.” The collection of interviews allows the reader to dive deeper into rowing, while learning about the values and best practices shared by “incredibly inspirational” people she met along her journey.
The LLOP plaza is located at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville – just look for the tower! Free on-site parking will be available.
For more information, including potential updates, “Like” and follow @GreaterGainesvilleSportsAlliance on Facebook or visit exploregainesville.org.
PHOTO CUTLINE | Daniela Nacházelová poses with her book, "Hidden Voices in Rowing" (2022). Nacházelová's debut book, "Women’s Voices in Rowing," which she'll discuss at her Oct. 18 meet-and-greet, was published in 2020.