This year has been one of the toughest chapters in Karel’s athletic journey—one marked not by finish-line celebrations, but by waiting, healing, and standing on the sidelines far more often than he ever imagined. Two knee surgeries, hardware removal from his wrist, and worsening spine issues have created a string of challenges that have tested Karel is so many ways. For someone who thrives on movement, adventure, and suffering, being forced to pause again and again has been heartbreaking.
And yet, he never stopped.
He adapted.
He learned.
He stayed hopeful.
With creative training, countless adjustments, and a willingness to rebuild, Karel kept moving forward—even when “forward” looked nothing like it used to. Every step, no matter how small, was a step forward.
And now, after two long years of setbacks, waiting, and wondering if this moment would ever come… it’s finally time.
Just getting to this start line is victory. It was not easy to get here. In truth, sometimes it felt impossible.
But he made it.
But he made it.
We made it.
Whether the race unfolds as he hopes or takes its own unexpected turns, one thing is certain: Karel is looking forward to this start line.
Whether the race unfolds as he hopes or takes its own unexpected turns, one thing is certain: Karel is looking forward to this start line.