Val di Fiemme, Italy – Former Olympic medalist Kateřina Neumannová is closely following the burgeoning career of Jiří Tuž, the 20-year-old Czech skier who has rapidly emerged as a force on the international cross-country skiing circuit. Neumannová, visibly moved by Tuž’s performance, confessed to being “completely thrilled, to the point of tears” after witnessing his success.
Tuž’s breakthrough came at the Falun World Cup sprint in February 2025, where he finished fifth, a result that surprised many observers. He’s continued to build on that momentum, securing a seventh-place finish at the World Championships in Trondheim, and consistently demonstrating his potential in subsequent competitions. His recent performance in Tesserete, where he qualified fourth, further solidified his position among the elite.
Neumannová encountered Tuž after his qualifying run in Tesserete, and was immediately impressed. “He was amazing on the course,” she said. “And at the finish, he told me, ‘I’m not tired at all.’ I had a really good feeling about him.” The five-time Olympic medalist recognizes a promising talent when she sees one, recalling the era when she and Lukas Bauer led Czech skiing to international acclaim.
While Tuž has only been competing at this level for less than two years, his progress is undeniable. Neumannová highlighted his strength in uphill sections, noting his ability to quickly and efficiently navigate steep climbs. “He’s showing the same rapid frequency in the climbs as Johannes Klæbo, though Klæbo’s abilities are still on another level,” she observed. “Klæbo started it, Jirka modified it to his own capabilities and strengths. That style is modern and, above all, effective for steep climbs.”
She downplayed the perceived difficulty of the technique, stating, “I think anyone can do it, it’s not difficult to learn. But you have to be physically capable. And with Jirka, it’s proof of his excellent performance.”
Looking ahead, Tuž is preparing for the 10-kilometer freestyle race in Val di Fiemme, and also has his sights set on the team sprint with teammate Michal Novák. Neumannová believes Novák’s strengths lie in endurance, making him a valuable partner in the team sprint. “Michal didn’t perform well in the sprint, but the team sprint is more about stamina. And when Jirka is in form, he can capitalize in any race,” she stated.
Tuž’s rapid ascent comes at a time when Czech skiing is looking to recapture its former glory. Born just three days before Neumannová’s World Cup victory in Ruka in 2004, he represents a new generation of Czech skiers hoping to emulate the success of their predecessors. His coach, Jan Francin, is focused on continued progress, aiming for consistent semifinal appearances in future races.
Both Tuž and Novák have overcome recent injury setbacks, requiring surgery and a month-long recovery period. This shared experience may further strengthen their partnership as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Tuž’s success is particularly noteworthy considering his previous best World Cup finish was 23rd, and he placed 51st in his debut sprint at Ruka.
The young Czech skier’s performance has already begun to turn heads, with Neumannová declaring herself a devoted fan. “I’m his biggest fan now,” she affirmed. As Tuž sets his sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Czech Republic has a new star to rally behind, one who embodies the promise of a revitalized national skiing program. His ability to learn and adapt, combined with his evident physical prowess, suggests that his best performances may still be to come.
The Olympic Games in Milan are fast approaching, and Tuž is clearly focused on making his mark. His recent successes, coupled with the support of a national icon like Neumannová, position him as a strong contender for future honors. The Czech Olympic team is undoubtedly watching his progress with keen interest, hoping that he can deliver a medal-winning performance on the world’s biggest stage.
