David Černý’s sculpture in honor of Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská, a symbol of sporting grace and civic engagement, unveiled in Prague
Prague has a new symbol of greatness, courage, and beauty: the steel sculpture dedicated to Věra Čáslavská (1942-2016), one of the greatest gymnasts in history, was recently unveiled in front of the Tyršův dům, home of the Sokol Sports Association. The impressive work, created by artist David Černý, celebrates not only the seven-time Olympic champion’s sporting achievements, but also her extraordinary moral integrity and civic commitment, which marked an era.
The sculpture, nearly ten meters tall and weighing 7.5 tons, already had a moment of glory at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where it adorned the Czech House, becoming one of the event’s most iconic symbols. Now it has returned home to Prague, where it will remain visible for at least a year, enriching the city with its imposing and meaningful presence.
A tribute to the body in motion
The sculpture, made of stainless steel, is a technological and artistic masterpiece. The idea of movement is not accidental: Čáslavská was known for her grace and precision, but also for the courage with which she faced challenges, both on the competition field and in life. The continuous rotation of the sculpture almost seems to reflect her indomitable spirit, always evolving, never standing still.
A project born of collaboration and friendship
David Černý knew Věra Čáslavská personally and had discussed with her the possibility of creating a sculpture to celebrate her career. After her death, Černý decided to rework the idea as a posthumous tribute, choosing the Paris Olympics as the debut venue for the work.
The sculpture was created with financial support from Rockaway Capital Group.
A lifetime of achievements and battles
Věra Čáslavská was not only a world-renowned gymnast, but also a major figure in the political and social context of Czechoslovakia. In an era of repression, she had the courage to speak up, putting her career and personal safety at risk. After signing the “Dva tisíce slov” petition in 1968, which openly criticized the communist regime, she was excluded from sports competitions and ostracized by the government. Only after the Velvet Revolution did Čáslavská return to prominence, becoming an adviser to President Václav Havel and president of the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee. The installation in front of Tyršův dům, home of the historic Sokol Association, is thus a tribute to one of the most important figures in Czech sports history and a true moral icon.
Looking at the sculpture rotating under the Prague sky, it is impossible not to think of all the challenges Čáslavská faced and overcame, and how her indomitable spirit is still inspiring.
