Czech hurdler Kolomazník targets European championship amid injuries

A 23‑year‑old Czech athlete, Kolomazník, has risen to become the country's top hurdler despite serious medical setbacks, including Schmorlov knots that compressed spinal discs and a torn knee ligament. After a forced break from elite competition, he returned to claim the national #1 spot and now aims to run 13.40 seconds in the 110‑metre hurdles, a time he hopes to achieve at the Czech championships in Plzeň and then improve at the European championships in Birmingham in August.

Kolomazník is simultaneously completing a medical degree, balancing radiology and neurology exams while planning to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the Brisbane 2032 Games. He says he embraces the pain of training, noting recent personal bests in the 100 m and high‑jump, and looks to the upcoming national meet to sharpen his performance for the European stage.