In a heartfelt tribute to one of the nation’s most cherished athletes, the Petra Vlhová Museum swung open its doors on September 8, marking a new chapter in Slovakia’s sporting heritage. Nestled in the quaint village of Drahovce near Piešťany, the museum serves as a vibrant chronicle of Olympic champion Petra Vlhová’s extraordinary rise from a ski-loving child to a global icon of alpine skiing.
The opening ceremony, held at 110 Hlavná Street, drew an intimate crowd of family, friends, sponsors, and devoted fans who have championed Vlhová’s career every step of the way. Vlhová, flanked by her parents Igor and Zuzana, cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside Miroslav Ledecký, the village mayor and head of her official fan club, who played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life. The event blended warmth and formality, with attendees filling the space to overflowing, eager to immerse themselves in the skier’s storied legacy.
Inspired by a television documentary on Italian legend Alberto Tomba two years ago, the initiative was spearheaded by Vlhová’s fans through the United Ski Fans project. “The dedication of his fans inspired us to create this museum,” her father Igor Vlhová shared during the proceedings, highlighting the community’s collective passion. Ledecký, a lifelong skiing enthusiast, collaborated closely with the family to curate the exhibits, transforming a modest village building into a beacon for sports lovers.
Visitors stepping inside are greeted by a timeline etched along the hallway, tracing Vlhová’s milestones from her earliest days on the slopes to her pinnacle achievements. Childhood snapshots—pulled straight from family albums—depict not just the prodigy in action but the everyday joys of a young girl enjoying carefree winters. Highlights include her gold medal-winning Olympic helmet from the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, where she clinched Slovakia’s first-ever alpine skiing Olympic medal in the slalom event. Other treasures on display: authentic red and blue giant slalom gates affixed to the exterior wall, a specialized drill used by her Niké Ski Team for course setup, and an impressive mural welcoming guests with the inscription “Drahovce, U Vlhovej 1.”
The museum’s location in Drahovce, rather than Vlhová’s hometown of Liptovský Mikuláš, underscores its community roots—Ledecký’s fan club has been a cornerstone of her support network. Roughly a 45-minute drive from Bratislava, the site is poised to draw pilgrims from across Slovakia and beyond, offering free entry to ensure accessibility for all admirers.
Visibly moved amid the celebrations, Vlhová addressed the gathering with gratitude. “Thank you, Mirko, and thank you to all my fans and supporters who contributed to this,” she said, her voice steady despite the emotion. “I truly appreciate it. You’ve created something unprecedented in Slovakia, something that belongs to all of you.” The 29-year-old, who has amassed two overall FIS Alpine Ski World Cup titles (2020 and 2021) alongside multiple world championship golds, emphasized the project’s deeper meaning: a shared testament to the unbreakable bond between athlete and nation.
The timing of the opening adds poignant layers to Vlhová’s narrative. Just days earlier, she spoke candidly about her ongoing recovery from a severe knee injury sustained in a crash during a home race in Slovakia in March 2024. The setback, compounded by cartilage damage requiring specialized treatment, sidelined her for the 2024-25 season. Yet, with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon—where she aims to defend her slalom crown—Vlhová remains optimistic. “Everything is going according to plan. I feel good, and we are making progress,” she told reporters at the inauguration. “I’m preparing for a return. Some things you can’t fool, but when the time is right, I’ll get back on skis.”
Though she hasn’t yet resumed on-snow training with the World Cup season looming in six weeks, Vlhová’s resolve shines through. Her long-time coach, Matej Gemza, was among those in attendance, a quiet nod to the team’s unwavering commitment.
The Petra Vlhová Museum isn’t merely a repository of trophies and timelines—it’s a living homage to resilience, fandom, and the slopes that shaped a legend. As Slovakia’s alpine queen eyes her next descent, this unassuming village landmark stands ready to inspire the next generation of dreamers.
