A group of intrepid paddlers kayaked for eight successive days overcoming a series of obstacles to mark the centenary of Czech sporting legend Emerich Rath’s epic journey to Paris.
In 1924, Rath paddled for 360 kilometres to the French capital to promote canoeing that was introduced as a demonstration sport at the Olympics that year.
One hundred years later, and with the Olympics returning to Paris, a Czech family decided to repeat this challenge in Rath’s honour.
Tomas Palouda, Chairman of Czech canoe club SK Vltava Český Krumlov, his son Mikolas and daughter Karolina were joined by Ondrej Koska who is from the Czech village of Broumov where Rath lived.
Palouda is also the father of Anezka Paloudova who will be competing in Canoe Sprint at Paris 2024.
Setting off on July 27 in Vaurois located in the French region of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the Czech group completed 60km of paddling for eight hours each day in their bid to reach the centre of Paris by August 3.
During the journey, the quartet encountered changeable weather conditions, navigated fallen tree branches and slept in tents along the banks of the River Seine.
They were also stopped by French authorities just 7km short of Port Debilly, near the Eiffel Tower before walking the rest of the way carrying their kayaks.
“It was very hard work,” said Tomas.
“We were surprised that it was so difficult.
“There were a lot of trees across the river, so it was difficult to find a way.
“Many times, we had to carry out the boat and go around and put it back on the water and do the same after another 100 metres.
“We went from the small creek to the big river like we have in Paris with great buildings and supermarkets around us.
“There are some rules where it is not possible for small boats going into Paris so we had to walk the rest.”
Karolina said it was “hardest thing in my life” and was amazed how Rath had completed such a challenge 100 years ago.
“We started on the small river in the jungle with nature and animal sand now we are in Paris, the biggest city in France,” said Karolina.
“I was thinking how Emerich Rath could do this 100 years ago.
“It had to be more difficult, but I am so proud, not just for me but also my father, brother and Ondrej.
“We did a great job.”
Ondrej said he was proud to have represented the birthplace of Rath – a man who completed for Austria at two Olympic Games, participating in the marathon at both London 1908 and Stockholm 1912.
Rath was an incredible sporting all-rounder, competing in sports including athletics, boxing, canoeing, ice hockey and field hockey, speed skating, wrestling, football, rugby, swimming, ski jumping, mountaineering and Alpine skiing.
“When the town heard about this project, they said they would like to have an ambassador on this trip, so I saw the advertisement, answered it and they chose me,” said Ondrej.
“I had never been on this kind of boat before, but it was a nice experience, and I am happy that I tried this adventure.
“I am exhausted, my arms are falling off.
“I think that Emerich would be really surprised and happy about it as it is a really Emerich Rath thing to do, just pick a sport, a boat and jump on it.
“He would be really proud of us.”
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