Jiří Kyncl

Jiří Kyncl was one of the best athletes in the history of Czech speed skating. He began skating on a natural rink in Svratka, when his family moved to the area. After doing his shifts at work, Kyncl trained for almost 1,000 hours per year. After being inspired by a poster of American Olympian Eric Heiden, Kyncl went on to beat Heiden’s times on an indoor track.

Kyncl represented Czechoslovakia at the 1988 Calgary Olympics and the 1992 Albertville Olympics, with a best finish of 16th place in the 10,000 metres in Calgary. He was also a seven-time national champion and set multiple national records.

Kyncl also worked for Mars, working as a sales representative.

Personal Bests: 500 – 40.00 (1993); 1000 – 1:19.62 (1994); 1500 – 1:57.78 (1992); 5000 – 6:59.82 (1988); 10000 – 14:27.32 (1988).