Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

As a new Slovak moving portrait now in cinemas brings his story to life, we look back at the life and legacy of Ondrej Nepela — Slovakia’s greatest figure skater and one of its most celebrated athletes. Through archival recordings and new interviews with filmmakers, actors, and those who knew him, we trace Nepela’s journey — from a quiet boy discovered by coach Hilda Múdra to an Olympic champion and Sportsman of the Century. The broadcast features voices of film director and screenwriter Gregor Valentovič, producer Ivan Ostrochovský, Czech actor Josef Trojan, and Slovak actress Zuzana Mauréry; lyricist Kamil Peteraj; former skaters Agnesa Búřilová and Jozef Sabovčík; and current rising star Adam Hagara. Thanks to the archives, you’ll also hear the late coach and researcher Dr. Ivan Mauer, Nepela’s longtime mentor Hilda Múdra — whom he affectionately called "teta" — Ondrej Nepela himself, and more.