Helping Terka get back on her feet

Jul 11, 2025·Alpine Skiing

A united skiing community rallies behind Tereza Nová

Earlier this year, Czech alpine skier Tereza Nová faced an unexpected and life-altering challenge. Following a serious injury sustained during a FIS World Cup Downhill training in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, she began a long journey through treatment and rehabilitation — a journey that has since inspired the entire skiing community.

After a period of intensive care in Germany and Prague, Tereza is now continuing her recovery at the Kladruby Rehabilitation Institute, where she is making steady progress thanks to her determination, the constant support of her family and coach Ondřej Berndt, and the encouragement from the Czech Ski Association and fellow athletes.

“I’m still at the beginning, but it’s going in the right direction. I hope I’ll be running around here like a madwoman soon,” said Tereza with her trademark optimism.

Recently, she received a surprise visit from teammates Jan Zabystřan, Jan Koula, and Linda Trejbalová, joined by Alpine sports director Jan Fiedler. Along with warm hugs and snacks, they brought a touching video message from the King of the White Track ceremony, filled with greetings from skiing and snowboarding legends.

“They made her laugh a lot. It was a beautiful moment — and we’d be happy to visit again,” said Fiedler.

A Fundraiser to Support Her Rehabilitation

To help cover the long-term costs of Tereza’s recovery, the Czech Ski Association Foundation has launched a charity fundraiser. While her emergency medical care was covered by public health services, starting September 2024, her rehabilitation will no longer be state-funded.

“Terka is now in the toughest race of her life — and she began it with the most important thing: the will not to give up,”
said her mother, Romana Nová.
“She has already passed many critical gates, but a long part of the course still lies ahead.”

The Czech Ski Association has kick-started the fundraiser with an initial donation of CZK 300,000.

“Skiing is the most beautiful sport, but it can also be incredibly cruel. A single second can change a life,”
said SLČR President David Trávníček.
“Tereza remains part of our skiing family, and we feel a duty to help.”

Špindlerův Mlýn Joins the Effort

The fundraiser is also tied to the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn (January 2025), which returns after a three-year break.
5% of all ticket sales will go directly to the fundraiser — meaning fans can contribute simply by attending one of the most exciting events of the winter season.

Tereza’s partner Ondřej Berndt expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“This support is vital — Terka’s care will no longer be covered from September, and the funds raised will help her access the treatment she needs to return to everyday life.”