The Czech Republic has already secured 80 quota spots for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and that number is expected to grow.
According to Martin Doktor, the Czech Olympic Committee’s Sports Director and Head of Mission, the national team could eventually reach 115 to 120 athletes by the end of the qualification period in mid-January 2026.
Nearly two-thirds of the guaranteed places belong to men’s and women’s ice hockey players, thanks to the qualification of both national teams. Additional spots have been claimed in biathlon, figure skating, and men’s curling, while competitions are still underway to secure further entries in women’s and mixed curling and cross-country skiing.
The biathlon team earned five spots each for men and women based on last season’s performance. In figure skating, two dance pairs — Natálie and Filip Tašlerová, and Kateřina and Daniel Mrázková — will represent Czechia on the Olympic stage.
Czech Olympic Committee Chairman Jiří Kejval emphasized that the country continues to deliver strong results in both Summer and Winter Games. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Czechia sent 111 athletes, but the Milan-Cortina team is projected to be even larger. The main reason, Kejval said, is that several team sports qualified for the Winter Games, while Czech teams missed out on the Paris tournament.
Czech Medal Hopes
The main medal contenders are expected to be both hockey teams, along with Ester Ledecká, the three-time Olympic champion who plans to compete in both snowboarding (parallel giant slalom) and alpine skiing (super-G). Another major story will be the final Olympic appearance of Martina Sáblíková, the legendary speed skater and multiple gold medalist.
Rising star Metoděj Jílek, who recently set a world record in the 3,000 meters, is also seen as a promising competitor. Snowboarder Eva Adamčíková, who has decided to return for another Olympic run, remains a strong medal hopeful.
Additional potential comes from biathletes and skier Jan Zabystřan, who could deliver a surprise result.
The Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026.
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