Jarmila Šťastná

Though born in Bystrovany, Jarmila Šťastná grew up in Praha (Prague), where she learned to skate on a hockey rink. She initially turned to figure skating, which culminated in her participating in the 1952 European Championships, where she placed 17th under the name of Jarmila Königová. She then switched to speed skating, a sport in which she first entered the World Championships in 1955. Her best result came the following year, ranking 13th overall after placing 4th in the 500 m. Šťastná’s only Olympic appearance came at the relatively late age of 34, placing last once and next-to-last twice.

Her husband, František Šťastný, was a noted motorcycle road racer, competing in Grand Prix races between 1957 and 1969, and winning 4 races in 350cc and 500cc.

Personal Bests: 500 – 49.1 (1959); 1000 – 1:42.5 (1964); 1500 – 2:42.2 (1964); 3000 – 5:43.6 (1964).