Zuzana Michalickova is a rising star in Slovak triathlon. 2024 was a breakout season with two U23 World Championship Winter Titles in Cogne. The 2025 season is also showing her progression in the sport. In May she took out the European U23 and Elite Aquathlon titles followed by back-to-back top-10 finishes on the World Cup circuit - proving she belongs among the world’s best. As a key member of Team World Triathlon -the World Triathlon development initiative focused on long-term athlete progression and Olympic potential toward Los Angeles 2028 Zuzana is proving to be an athlete to watch.
Zuzana recently spoke with Emma Carney, World Triathlon Hall of Fame athlete, about her mindset, motivation, and what lies ahead.
What is your main goal for the 2025 season?
“This year, I want to improve my performance. It's not an Olympic qualification year, so I don't really focus on results, but of course, I still want quality performances. It’s a different kind of season, more varied and fun.”
Zuzana is using 2025 to refine her race craft and enjoy the sport beyond pressure and rankings.
You are part of the World Triathlon Development Team—how special is that support?
“I’m very happy to be part of a team where we help each other and share experiences. When I go to a race with the team, the atmosphere is better. It’s different from going alone.”
For Zuzana, being part of a development team adds more than logistical support—it provides emotional strength, camaraderie, and shared purpose. Above all the support from World Triathlon is designed for athlete success, which is priceless for young developing athletes.
The LA 2028 Olympics is a long-term goal for Team World Triathlon. How do you view that dream?
“Yes, it's a goal, but I don’t think about it much. For me, it's not the biggest goal. I want to be able to compete with the best triathletes in the world! I want to enjoy life, do what I love, and study—that’s life. Not just the Olympics.”
Zuzana’s motivation comes from love of the sport and living a full life—not only chasing medals.... but don’t be fooled by her low-key approach... as one of the leading U23 athletes in World Triathlon racing now, she will be at a perfect age for the next 2 Olympic cycles.
And when you're not training or racing, how do you switch off?
“I like to relax actively. In my free time, I study—especially in the off-season. I also like to read a book or watch a good movie.”
Whether racing in the snow, on the road, or in a sprint final, Zuzana blends focus and freedom, bringing curiosity, calm, and quiet determination to the world stage.
Zuzana Michalickova is quickly establishing herself as one of the world's most versatile and promising triathletes. With standout results across disciplines and a grounded approach to performance, she brings a fresh perspective to high-performance sport. As a member of Team World Triathlon, Zuzana values teamwork, growth, and balance—focusing not only on results, but on enjoying the journey, staying curious, and competing with the world’s best on her own terms.
