Lucia Režnáková – memories, resilience & inspiration for the next generation

Lucia Režnáková was one of the first athletes to join our club back in 2012. Over the next 13 years, she built an impressive journey filled with achievements, setbacks, and meaningful friendships. Now based in Bratislava, she is preparing for her future as a physiotherapist. In this exclusive interview, Lucia reflects on her time in ŠK Jablonica, her coach Tomáš Zavadil, and shares inspiration with the next generation of athletes.

Do you still remember your very first training at ŠK Jablonica? How did you feel and what motivated you to choose athletics?
To be honest, I don't remember my first training session very well, but my mom does — she says I came home absolutely thrilled. The girls who were already in the club immediately welcomed me. How did I get into athletics? I was an energetic kid. My brother played football and I used to go to his trainings with him. His coach noticed me and told my parents that a new athletics club had started in Jablonica. They didn't hesitate and contacted my future coach Tomáš. At that time, I didn't even know what "athletics" meant — I just knew I loved to run.

What did it mean to be a part of ŠK Jablonica for 13 years? What values did you take from the club?
For 13 years, athletics was my whole life — and not just mine, but my family's too. The club was like a second family. We had a great team, and I have unforgettable memories from camps and races — not only about performance but also about support and friendship, which I'm still grateful for. Our coach often sacrificed his own family time for us, and we admired him for that. Athletics taught me discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. I learned to be happier about my teammates' success than my own. Even though we were competitive, fairness and respect always came first. I dare say athletics made me a better person and gave me a lot for everyday life.

Is there a specific moment or memory that stands out as the most emotional during your time in the club?
I've had quite a few emotional moments. The first one was when I finished 3rd at the Slovak Cross-Country Championships in Šamorín, in the younger girls' category. No one expected that result — it was my first national medal. Another emotional highlight was winning gold in the 2000m at the Slovak Championships in Košice — again, quite unexpected. That whole period was full of success, but these two moments stand out.

How did you cope with the times when things weren't going well? What helped you move forward during those periods?
It was really hard. I had some health issues and didn't handle it well. I was used to winning and suddenly it was all gone — and I couldn't do anything about it. I must mention my parents here — I'm so thankful for their support. They stood by me, helped me through the tough times, and still do.

After transferring to TJ Slavia STU Bratislava, you started a new life — new environment, school, dorm… How are you handling the change? And how do you balance school and training?
I'm someone who doesn't like change, but I had to deal with this one since I was accepted to university to study physiotherapy — which I chose because I wanted a profession connected with sport. It's going quite well, mainly thanks to my new coach, Mr. Mereš. He's not only a great coach but also a wonderful person. One huge advantage is that the STU Bratislava club gave me a room at the Mladosť dormitory, which has an athletics track right in the complex.

What's the biggest difference you feel between training at ŠK Jablonica and your current club? Is there something you specifically miss from Jablonica?
If I compare it to the last two years in Jablonica, it's very similar — I was mostly training alone then, and I still do now. What's better now are the conditions — I've got a track right under my window and again, my coach adapts the training schedule to my university timetable.
But what I really miss is the team — the friendships and that family-like environment we had.

You've been selected for the junior national team. How does that make you feel, and what does it mean to represent Slovakia?
Of course, I'm happy — but also quite nervous. I've always been a stress-case. Now it's even harder, because I was out of action for a long time due to health issues, so it feels like starting from scratch.
I'll give it my all — I don't want to disappoint my coach or myself. My first competition after a long break is coming up. My feelings are mixed, but I'm looking forward to it.

What would you say to younger athletes starting out at ŠK Jablonica today? What's the most important thing at the beginning?
There's a reason they call athletics the queen of sports. It brings joy, adrenaline — but mostly, it's about doing your best. You can't blame anyone else for your results. What you give to athletics, it gives back to you. The most important thing? Do it with joy and for joy. Do it for yourself, not for anyone else. If you love athletics, keep going — no matter the results.

If you had to write a "manual for success", what would definitely be in it? (Training, discipline, motivation, recovery, team…)
I don't have a guaranteed formula for success. I think talent is the first condition — but it's not enough, maybe just for a while. After that, it needs hard work. Quality training depends on the coach, and it's up to the athlete to respect the coach and trust him. You need to learn discipline, live a healthy lifestyle, and never skip recovery. And if you also have a good team around you, you're a lucky person — that's the cherry on top.

How do you see your future in athletics? Do you have specific goals or dreams you want to pursue?
As I said, I'm starting over after a long break — so I'll have to see where I stand. Of course, I have dreams, but for now, I'd like to keep them to myself. If I find out I have a real chance to reach them, I'll be happy to share them with you.