by Alfonz Juck
Roman Sebrle, European Champs 2006, photo by PhotoRun.net
Sebrle commenting
PRAHA (CZE): Ashton Eaton´s predecessor as World record holder and first 9000+ athlete Roman Sebrle commented the retirement: “Im surprised, I do not have all the details, but on the other hand the final decision must come one day. Maybe it is too early, but it is his right to end when he wants. He was one of the main rivals but also a great friend. To be better than Ashton will be very tough for the coming generations. I m happy I was one of the inspirations for him and I hope he will be the inspiration for the future decathletes. I want to wish him good health, he should enjoy his time with the family and I m sure he will find activities which he will like and will fill the space which will be there after finishing with the top sport.”
RunBlogRun opines: Roman Sebrle is the decathlon warrior. He is also one of the most gallant and distinguished athletes I have ever met. In 2001, I was in Edmonton, and I joined Roman as he walked to a media reception. I watched him look across the room and see Daniela Zatopekova, the wife of Emil Zatopek and the doyen of Czech athletics. His look was on of admiration and love. He went up to Ms. Zatopekova and she lit up. His comments on Ashton come from a unique place, that of a competitor who respects and admires the other competitor. Sebrle is what our sport is all about.
