From childhood beginnings on a borrowed snowboard to double world championships and Olympic gold – Eva Adamczyková, a snowboardcross star, proves where a passion for speed, competition, and adrenaline on snow can take you. How did she overcome injuries, what inspired her iconic painted mustache, and what are her dreams and ambitions for the future? She shared it all in an open interview full of inspiration, humor, and life lessons.
How do you remember your snowboarding beginnings? Was there a moment when you thought, "This is it"?
I started snowboarding when I was about six years old, so I don’t remember much, but I have photos to remind me. My parents rented my first little snowboard from a rental shop, and they eventually had to buy it because I refused to let it go. I still have it to this day. At that time, I was still skiing, but snowboarding immediately caught my attention more. The key moment came when I realized that snowboarders had training sessions starting at nine in the morning, whereas skiers had to start much earlier. I wanted to enjoy my weekend mornings watching cartoons. Besides that, I found snowboarding much more fun, and I instantly felt that it was the right thing for me. I enjoyed the crew I rode with the most – whether it was freeriding, doing tricks in the park, or just shredding down the slopes, it was simply awesome.
You started with freestyle snowboarding. What led you to switch to snowboard cross?
I competed in Czech freestyle events for two or three years, but at one of them, I broke my leg during a failed attempt at a 360. I ended that season with an injury, and during the summer, I broke my arm in a fall from a horse. After two consecutive fractures, I returned to snowboarding in winter, but I was very scared – jumps and tricks terrified me, so that season was quite a struggle for me. I just couldn’t get past it. A friend of mine, who was a physiotherapist for the snowboard cross national team, mentioned that they were looking for juniors to join. Since I had already tried snowboard cross a few times just for fun, I decided to give it a shot. I started riding with them, and Marek Jelínek, who still coaches me today, took me under his wing. Ever since, I’ve stayed with snowboard cross.
How did your coaches Marek Jelínek and Jakub Flejšar influence you?
I started training with Marek and Kuba when I was 15 years old. We traveled to competitions and training camps, and I was often away from home and school, which I actually enjoyed as a teenager. My parents trusted them because they shaped me not only as an athlete but also as a person. Kuba and Marek are completely different. Kuba was part of the freestyle crew, a versatile rider, and very laid-back. He brought a chill vibe and a sense of ease. Marek, a former gymnast and trained coach, was more systematic, introducing structure and discipline to the training sessions. This combination was perfect – Kuba created a relaxed atmosphere, while Marek gave it a professional framework.
You are always known for your iconic painted mustache at competitions. How did this tradition start, and why do you keep it going?
It all started completely by chance during my first senior World Championships. We were hanging out with competitors from Poland, where ski jumper Adam Małysz was famous for his iconic mustache. As a joke, we dared each other to see if I would paint one for the competition. I agreed, painted the mustache, and ended up finishing fifth, which was my best senior result at the time. We saw it as a fun gesture that brought a bit of luck, and the tradition stuck spontaneously, becoming part of my competitions. Even though I’m not a big believer in rituals, it’s always a lot of fun. My team and I brainstorm different mustache designs to draw. Kuba Flejšar, who is a sculptor, always took the lead, creating increasingly bizarre mustaches to make me look comical. To this day, the mustache helps me relax before competing and adds a playful touch to my racing.
Winning the Olympic gold medal in Sochi was a huge success. What emotions did you feel after crossing the finish line?
Before the final run, I was very nervous. After the qualification and previous heats, I knew I had a chance, but I kept telling myself not to mess anything up. When I crossed the finish line, I felt immense joy and relief that I had made it. I was proud that a small team from a small country could achieve something so significant. It was pure euphoria and, at the same time, a sense of accomplishment for the whole team. Seeing everyone around me celebrating and knowing how hard they had worked throughout the season was incredible. I was just 20 years old, and everything was happening so fast, but that moment was beautiful and unforgettable. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders – we did it.
You are a two-time world champion in snowboard cross (2019, 2023). How did these two victories differ, given that they came at different stages of your career?
They were completely different. In 2019, I had an excellent season – I won the World Cup and nearly all the races. At previous World Championships, I had already set my sights on victory, but something always went wrong. When it finally happened, it was a huge success and a feeling of fulfillment. The entire season was fantastic, I was riding great, and the Championships in America were an exciting experience for me. In 2023, it was a different story. After injuring my ankles, I initially didn’t plan to compete fully; I just wanted to see what I could manage. Since the Championships in Georgia weren’t until March, I had more time to prepare and get back into shape. On race day, I felt 100% good for the first time since my injury. It was an emotionally intense championship, but also deeply rewarding. I was grateful just to be able to compete again without pain and to do what I love. The victory was an amazing bonus.
How did you cope with the period when you broke your ankles? Was returning to the slopes harder physically or mentally?
In the past, I usually managed injuries relatively well – the physical pain didn’t last long, and I mostly focused on overcoming fear. However, the broken ankles were different – the pain lingered for a long time, and I didn’t feel right when I got back on my snowboard. This injury affected not just my body but also my mental state. There were moments when I thought I’d never be able to ride at full capacity or without pain again. Doubts crept in about whether I could even compete at a high level anymore. Staying positive was difficult, but I decided to give it time and gradually test what I was capable of. It was the toughest injury I’ve faced, but it taught me patience and determination.
How has your marriage to actor Marek Adamczyk influenced your life and career? How do you bridge your completely different worlds?
I think it’s important that we both have very flexible work schedules, so we understand and support each other. Marek often comes home late from the theater or filming, and I’m sometimes away for 2–3 weeks at a time. We understand what our jobs require and don’t hold it against each other. Marek was never particularly into sports, but since we’ve been together, he’s taken an interest in snowboard cross. During COVID, he even accompanied me to training sessions, joined me at the gym, and worked on athletics with me, becoming my training partner. He follows my competitions and supports me a lot, which I truly appreciate. In return, I started going to the theater more often and got to know his actor friends. It’s enriching for me because it lets me take a break from sports and enjoy culture. I’ve always been interested in art, and I owe some of that to Kuba Flejšar, who used to take us to galleries in larger European cities during competitions. He taught me that you don’t need to look for “correct” answers in art – it’s enough to know whether you like it or not. Marek also loves attending cultural events, so we’re on the same wavelength in that regard.
The documentary EFKA: The Fastest Girl in the Universe captures your story. How did you perceive the whole filming process?
The documentary follows my journey back to competing at the 2023 World Championships, from having screws removed from my ankles to my recovery process. The entire experience was very interesting for me. The hardest part was probably sharing my daily routine with the crew. To me, my schedule felt ordinary and not very exciting, but Markus Krug, the director, would often say, “We could’ve used that; you should’ve told us about it.” I had to learn to open up more and show them what they might want to capture. Markus, not being an athlete, asked questions from a different perspective, which made me reflect on things more deeply. What seemed obvious to me was fascinating to him. The biggest challenge was answering honestly and personally rather than giving the rehearsed responses I usually give to journalists. Markus is very empathetic, so he managed to build a good relationship with my surroundings and my team. When we finished, he said, “Now I’ve finally gotten to know you, and only now should I start filming the documentary.” That beautifully summed up the whole process.
"My biggest goal has always been to be content with my life. If I’m not, I try to figure out why and work on making a change."
You have a wide range of hobbies – horses, surfing, dancing, tennis. How do you find time for all these activities? Do they help you unwind from the demands of a professional sports career?
I spend the most time with horses because working with them is the ultimate form of relaxation for me. There’s no competition involved, just a connection with the horse and the joy of movement. I train for myself, not for results, which is the complete opposite of snowboarding, where every training session is geared toward competition. Working with a living creature that has its own will is a completely different experience. Two years ago, I even spent a month as a “working student” – I trained while also helping with the daily care of the horses. It was the perfect opportunity to recharge and take a break from the fast pace of competitive sports. Dancing is just as important to me. My coach, Marek Jelínek, has always supported me in these activities because he believes that variety has a positive impact on elite sports. Dancing has helped me become more aware of my body, see myself from a different perspective, and find balance between my athletic career and personal growth. I see all of this as a huge benefit.
If you weren’t a snowboarder, what direction do you think your life would have taken?
It’s hard to say. As a child, I always wanted to ride horses, and it was snowboard cross and my career that eventually allowed me to fulfill that dream – owning my own horse. My life would probably have headed toward some recreational sport or working with animals. I earned a bachelor’s degree at FTVS (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport), so I have training preparation, but honestly, I can’t imagine what I’d be doing if snowboard cross hadn’t drawn me in so deeply. I’m grateful that my sports career “saved” me in that sense and that I didn’t have to figure out which other direction to take. Considering that I come from Krkonoše, my life would likely still have been connected to sports and nature.
How do you perceive your collaboration with HF so far? What do you enjoy the most about it?
I was very pleasantly surprised that Horsefeathers was interested in working with me, especially now that I won’t be competing due to maternity. I really appreciate that this collaboration isn’t just about competition results. I see Horsefeathers as a brand that values community and stays true to its core principles, which I think is amazing. I love that it’s a core brand that maintains its authenticity, and it’s a brand I admired as a kid during my freestyle riding days.
Do you have any favorite pieces from the new collection?
I absolutely love the Elvira hoodie from the new collection, which I’ve been a fan of since autumn. I often wore it as an outer layer without a jacket because it’s warm and comfortable. I also really like the Mija II jacket in hydro color, the Celara jacket in mojave color, and the Lotte II pants in black. I was especially impressed by the thermal wear – it’s incredibly comfortable to wear and has practical thumb holes, which keep your hands protected from the wind.
What advice would you give to young snowboarders dreaming of a career in the sport?
The most important thing is to enjoy snowboarding. It doesn’t matter if you become an Olympic champion – what matters is that you love the ride. There are aspects of the sport that may not always be fun, like working out in the gym. But if you know it’s helping you become stronger and faster, it all makes sense. Having a good crew is also essential. Find people you enjoy spending time with on the slopes and ideally join a club that will support and push you further. For snowboard cross, versatility is key – train jumps, riding on tracks, in the woods, and on slopes. The more skills you master, the better prepared you’ll be.
What do you see as your next big goal in your career or personal life? Do you have any dreams you’d like to fulfill?
With motherhood on the horizon, my life is definitely going to change, so right now, I’m just waiting to see how I’ll manage it all. My biggest goal, however, has always been to be content with my life. If I’m not, I try to figure out why and work on making a change. For me, the most important thing is to feel satisfied with how I’m living.
How do you think your career will continue with the arrival of your baby?
I’m leaving it completely open. Right now, I don’t know if I’ll want to continue competing or choose a different path. If I miss it, the option to return to competitions will always be there. On the other hand, my priorities might shift, and I could find a different role in the sport that feels more meaningful to me. I’ll decide when the time is right.
Photo: Eva Adamczyková's archive
