The rumors of recent weeks became a reality this afternoon when Gabriela Koukalová stated that she would not compete next season. That means the Czech team will be without its biggest star for their home BMW IBU World Cup in Nove Mesto na Morave next December. The Czech star has been plagued with health problems since last summer; the most major being an ongoing calf problem that eventually took her off skis this past winter when trying possibly get ready for the Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games.

Charity Event Announcement

She made her comments today in Hořovice at a charity event for which she is the patron, “Let’s Clean Up the World; Let’s Clean Up Czech Republic.” Speaking to Sports.cz, Koukalová commented, “I have to say that at this point, I cannot really imagine that I would ever come back, but at the same time, I do not want to close it all. You never know; maybe in one year or two, I will miss it.” During today’s interview, the Czech star did not discuss the current state of her health. It was obvious when she announced that Pyeongchang was out of the question in mid-January that the condition was not improving. “Pain still does not allow me to drive at the highest intensity and so unfortunately I cannot race.”

*Facebook Statement

*On her Facebook page, Koukalová wrote earlier today, “I made a statement today that I'm leaving next season. I don't feel like racing physically or mentally, I have no inner desire to win. I want to do other things for a while. I'm not saying I quit my whole career, I might miss racing, but now I can't imagine coming back. I wanted to do it officially in the next week, but today at Ukliďme Česko, I thought I'd clean up my soul, and I'll say what I've been doing for weeks. I was on this beautiful day out full of joy, so I told the first person who asked me. Believe me, hundreds of people have asked me about it a day, and I've really considered that decision. The reasons and origin of my health problems will be in detail in my book, which will come out in April.”

Olympic Success

Koukalová, who won two medals, Pursuit and Mixed Relay Silver at the 2014 Sochi OWG and was the 2017 IBU Sprint World Champion, was the defacto Czech Team leader. Her performances led the women’s team to the relay podium on numerous occasions. She was also a key part of the Czech team’s string of mixed relay success that started with an IBU WCH Bronze medal in their home stadium at Nove Mesto na Morave in 2013.

Big Crystal Globe

Her personal success to date includes 17 World Cup victories and 39 total individual podiums since her first victory, the Pokljuka Sprint in December 2012. Koukalová won the World Cup Total Score and the coveted big Crystal Globe in the 2015-16 season. She had five victories the 2016-17 season, but finished second in the World Cup total Score behind Laura Dahlmeier.

Huge Star

Since her meteoric rise to fame back in the 2012-13 season, the personality-filled redhead has become a huge star in the her home country and the world of biathlon. Her face as graced many magazine covers, most recently “Glanc,” where last month where she discussed her career and the health issues. Her autobiography is due to be released this month. Koukalová was the first-ever biathlete named the Czech Sportsperson of the Year in 2017.

Whether Koukalová returns in a year or two is obviously up in the air, only time will tell.