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The Olympic dream is delayed by four years.

For the second time I participated in a unique competition organized by the World Curling Federation, namely the Olympic Qualification Tournament for two places in the Olympic tournament. So I know something about it. I've described the women and their draw through the tournament before. The men failed to make the final push in the competition. The Danes were better the second time and didn't let the Czech team have any better chances. On the other hand, Stjern managed to take advantage of the offered opportunity and score a deuce, which decided the game. Several circumstances are very similar in both qualifiers. The participation of Team Snítil and Team Kubešková remained the same, albeit with minor changes in the line-up. There was no success in either category this year, as there was four years ago. And although some thought so, we were not the favourites, just like in 2013. This is where the similarities end. Compared to the German Fussen, Pilsen managed to create an excellent environment for the home teams, reminiscent of the matches of our tennis players in the Davis Cup. Although the men's team, struggling with their opponents and some circumstances, ended up similar to Fussen, i.e. a short distance away from advancing, the young Czech women's team was visibly stronger, playing with more ambition, drive and sporting heart than a few years ago. A new Olympic cycle is already beginning for us, and Czech curling should enter it with a clear vision, system, certainties and challenges. Some things need to change, and it won't wait!