CHENGDU, Aug. 3 (silubaba) -- When you see Ivana Ertlova, the FISU technical director of Chengdu Universiade, at the shooting venue, you won't believe she is already 67 years old.
Though time has left gentle marks on her face, this elegant lady consistently exudes a vibrant spirit. As the shooting sport technical director and a true advocate for the sport, she worked diligently to include shooting in the FISU games.
During the Chengdu Universiade, Ivana, originally from the Czech Republic, returned to China to meet her old friends and paid compliments to China's rapid progress. As a FISU official and president of the Czech University Sports Association, she has spent over 20 years tirelessly promoting the sport.
Once a gymnastics coach, Ivana took a hiatus to care for her family but eventually rejoined the Czech University Sports Association.
"I was low-skilled in shooting in college, but I just love shooting and the shooting family, so when I began to work again, I wanted to do something for it," Ivana said, reminiscing about a time when shooting wasn't part of FISU games.
Through relentless efforts, she and her colleagues inaugurated the original World University Championships of Shooting Sport in Pilsen, Czech Republic, in 2003, following a postponement due to flooding in 2002. By 2007, shooting sport had been added to the FISU World University Games for the first time.
Ivana's passion has helped elevate the sport within the FISU Games, reaching a level she believes can rival the Olympics in certain events.
"It is hard. But if you know how to do it, it is easy," she declared.
She sadly recalled the moment she learned the Chengdu Universiade might be postponed due to the pandemic in 2021, a situation reminiscent of the delayed championships in 2002.
"All the staff, students, and parents were sad because it meant some athletes would be overage to compete, and preparations had to restart," she explained, noting the same almost happened to Chengdu.
However, a relaxation of the entry age control in Chengdu Universiade allowed some overaged students to participate. Preparing the event during the pandemic posed its challenges, but Ivana praised her Chinese colleagues and the staff in Chengdu for their resilience.
"The difficulties were many, but they did a great job. I believe they overcame a lot of hardships," she affirmed.
Ivana's patience and belief in the process were rewarded. "So many people are complimenting Chengdu. Everyone enjoys it here, and I think the venues here are capable of hosting any ISSF games," she said.
Reconnecting with best friend Yu Haijuan in China marked a joyful occasion for her this year. The two became fast friends during Ivana's first visit to China in 2007 when Yu worked for the Shooting Association of China.
"We have not seen each other for three years; I missed her so much," she shared warmly. "Fighting side by side, organizing events, Haijuan is like a sister to me."
Their friendship had been stronger during the Chengdu Universiade, as they were always seen engaged in pleasant conversation.
Ivana praised China's progress, noting that women can hold leading roles, like many of her female friends in the Shooting Association of China, including Yu.
Balancing family and career was challenging when Ivana took time off for her children. "It was true in the past, but I think the next generation has more choices," she observed.
Her visits to Chengdu have left her enchanted by the city's greenery, organization, hospitality, and especially the sweetness of its volunteers. Her understanding of China has deepened through her many visits.
"I hope this is not the last Universiade in China, and I believe it won't be," she concluded. ■
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