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The Hall of Famer was awarded a silver medal by the upper house for outstanding achievement and the courage to be herself.
Published Jun 16, 2023
Navratilova called the award an honor, particularly in the aftermath of her recent battle with breast and throat cancers. She announced her diagnoses in January, but returned to work at Tennis Channel cancer-free in March.
"When the email came from Mr. Vystrcil saying I would receive the silver medal, it was some time in February, when I had some health difficulties," she said in her speech before parliament. "I said to myself, 'Are they afraid I'll die before they give it to me?'"
Recalling her defection, Navratilova continued: "It's my only regret, but I had to do it. I have always tried to represent my country in the best way and I will continue to try. But you don't realize how it will turn out with other people around me. My sister suffered a lot, I won't even talk about my parents. I appreciate this medal so much."
After the ceremony, Navratilova told reporters that she was glad that no Czech child today has to face the impossible choice she made all those years ago.
“I’m happy that both tennis and sport are more international," she told Czech media. "That people, especially children, have the opportunity to do sports, reach the top and win. But there’s still a way to go for those who don’t have that opportunity. There is always room for improvement, but things are way better than in my day, and no children have to escape from Czechia at least.”
