These articles were published in the Spectacular Slovakia travel guide, published annually by The Slovak Spectator since 1996. The latest editions can be obtained from our online shop.


Martina Moravcová

The Slovak Fish

By Zuzana Habšudová

    
 
 photo: TASR

During the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney Australia, the nation became enthralled with Slovak swimmer Martina Moravcová, nicknamed by the media the 'Slovak Fish'. Life came to a standstill at the start of each of her events as the country crowded around television sets to root for its favourite daughter.

Their hopes were rewarded in spades. By winning two silvers, Moravcová became the country's first ever multi-medal winner at the Olympics. "I've never experienced such euphoria," she said after her first medal. "And I've never cried so much as when I saw the results on the board. I hope I didn't make only my family happy, but also everybody in Slovakia."

Although she trains for much of the year in Dallas, Texas, Moravcová says that her home-town of Piešťany remains close to her heart. She spoke to Spectacular Slovakia 2001 about the spa town in the spring of 2001.

TSS: What was life like for you growing up in Piešťany? What were your favourite activities as a child and even now as a young woman?

MM: I consider Piešťany to be the most beautiful town in Slovakia. It has lovely parks and a very relaxed atmosphere, especially during the summer when the small cafés open their outside seating. I appreciate such things now that I'm older.

When I was a child, I liked to go to the swimming pool or swim in the River Váh at a place locally known as "The Currents". I also often yachted at Sĺňava Lake when I was a girl.

TSS: What is the highlight of a visit to Piešťany today?

MM: First of all, I would say Spa Island is the main attraction. The spas have a great history plus a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. Another reason to visit Piešťany is for the walks in our beautiful natural surroundings. Hikes to Bakus vila and Čertova pec (Devil's Furnace) are wonderful, especially during the summer.

The River Váh is a good place for camping, and the town offers beautiful bicycle tours. Piešťany is famous as a city in which bicycles are the main mode of transport, since the town is small with many parks and pedestrian zones.

TSS: How is Piešťany different from other Slovak towns?

MM: Piešťany was not drastically scarred by communist-era construction, and there is no heavy industry to contaminate and destroy the town and the nearby countryside. It's different from other Slovak towns for its green and nicely arranged parks, and for its various activities for spa guests and other visitors.

TSS: What is your favourite restaurant or pub in Piešťany?

MM: I like sitting in the pedestrian zone on Winterová Street under Hotel Eden and Hotel City. I also like the traditional food at Červená veža na Salaši (Red Tower at the Shepherd's House) where you have a pretty view of the town. In the city centre, I like the Tosca family restaurant and the Jazz Art u Šošoka for its pleasant atmosphere, mainly during the winter when you cannot sit outside.

TSS: What do you miss most about Piešťany when you're training in Dallas?

MM: The small town atmosphere, where everything is close and all you need is a bicycle.

These articles and related information were published in Spectacular Slovakia 2001.


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