Slovak Canoeing mourns the death of Ing. Jan Stachera, former athlete, coach and official, who passed away at the age of 82. He was also the chairman of the Kayak Club Zvolen.
Jan Stachera devoted his life to canoe slalom and wildwater canoeing, a journey he began in 1956. Initially competing with Lokomotiva Bučina Zvolen, he later represented TJ Slavia VŠLD Zvolen, spent four years with TJ Slavia Dolny Kubin, and ultimately returned to lead the Kayak Club Zvolen.
As an elite athlete, he was a longstanding member of the Czechoslovak national team, representing his country at three World Championships. Under his leadership at Zvolen’s Podharajch (Unionka), many athletes achieved remarkable success, including Olympian Marian Havliček (1972 Munich Olympics) and numerous other national representatives. Among those he mentored were Miro Matušik, Peter Slašťan Sr., Janka Kvasnova, Imro Vida, Vlado Vala, and the two-time Olympic gold medalist Elena Kaliska (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing). His influence also extended to his daughters, Petra and Gabika, the latter competing in two Olympic Games (2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens), along with countless others who flourished under his guidance. Zvolen earned a reputation as a cradle of exceptional athletes thanks to his dedication.
After retiring from active competition, Jan spent nearly two decades as the national coach for the Czechoslovak and later Slovak teams. As a head coach of Slovakia's junior team, he achieved outstanding results with young athletes. His coaching style combined strict discipline with heartfelt encouragement. In 2012, he was inducted into the Slovak Canoeing Hall of Fame for his contributions as a successful athlete, coach and official.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
Source: https://www.canoe.sk/sk/divoka-voda/clanok/nase-rady-navzdy-opustil-ing-jan-stachera
18.12.2024
