Canada. Canada. Summary. Summary.
It was clearly the longest stay of the Czech curling team on a foreign training camp in the entire history of the Czech Curling Federation. Four weeks full of training, matches, fitness, analyses, tactical meetings, discussions on technique, communication, psychology, just a lot of curling in all possible forms. Anna, Betka, Ezhen, Petra and Misha, together with me, tried to make the most of their stay. The considerable organizational and financial demands of the whole project were certainly outweighed by the resulting sporting value. A number of quality matches in ideal curling conditions were the main asset. The highlights can certainly include meeting the absolute world's best in Cornwall at the Shorty Jenkins Classic. With both categories running concurrently, we watched true masters at work, meeting them in the locker room and sitting with them at the table. Most importantly, we saw that on the same ice we had played on a while ago, they could play all the pieces we know from Briers or Scotties. Another important realization is that we can play with an open mind with anyone from the world's top teams. We play better against Europeans and Asians than we do against Canadians. It is evident that the overseas teams are looking for and finding new trends and are gaining an edge over the rest of the world thanks to some of the experiments that have been implemented. But all it takes is more experience and top tournaments played and the handicap can disappear. We really enjoyed our time in Kitchener Waterloo, where the local club offers incredible hospitality and lots of curling traditions. The eight lanes in Oakville are quite an extraordinary base for anything imaginable curling. There is also a kind of lesson, an impetus, an inspiration for us from the summary of our entire stay. If we don't want to miss the curling express speeding to Beijing 2022, we mustn't endanger ourselves in the sprawling rink and its not-so-spinning ice with lazy stones. We need to be in touch with the world, not ignore developments and try to add dynamism and pizzazz to our curling life. Otherwise our hopes will fade into mediocrity and grey.