Slovak slalom canoeist Michal Martikan has participated in international competitions since 1994. After Slovakia’s independence in 1993, Michal became the first sportsperson to bring home an Olympic gold medal in 1996. With two golds, two silvers, and one bronze, Michal also holds the most Olympic medals of any slalom paddler.
Quick Facts Michal Martikan:
| Full Name | Michal Martikan |
| Birth Date | May 18, 1979 |
| Birth Place | Liptocsky Mikulas, Czechslovakia |
| Nickname | Michal |
| Nationality | Slovak |
| Ethnicity | Not Available |
| Hobbies | Ice Hockey, Golf, Ski mountaineering, Windsurfing |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
| Education | Not Available |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Favorite Food | “bryndzove halusky”, sushi |
| Hero/Idol | British paddler Richard Fox |
| Senior International Debut Location | Nottingham, UK |
| Senior International Debut Competition | World Cup |
| Senior International Debut Year | 1994 |
| Club | Kanoe Tatra Klub Dukla Liptovsky Mikulas |
| Father’s Name | Jozef Martikan |
| Mother’s Name | Katarina Martikanova |
| Siblings | Not Available |
| Age | 43 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Reach | Not Available |
| Weight | 159 lb (72 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Profession | Professional Canoeist |
| Coach | Jozef Martikan |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Lenka Martikanova |
| Active Years | Not Available |
| Children | Not Available |
| Salary | Under Review |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram |
| Merch | Wooden Paddle |
| Last Update | August 2022 |
What is the Net worth of Michal Martikan?
Through his canoeing career, the Slovak paddler has accumulated enough. Along with his income from paddling, Michal also amassed cash via his employment as a coach.
The Slovak canoeist had accepted the chance to coach canoeist Nadine Weratschnigová after failing to earn a spot in the Tokyo Games. Additionally, Michal served as an Olympic team coach for Austria.
Additionally, Michal makes money through numerous sponsorships and endorsements. The Slovak canoeist’s actual net worth, assets, and income are now being examined. His net worth is between $1 and $5 million, nevertheless. Also know about Tad Dennis
About Michal Martikan: Personal
Michal was born in Liptocsky Mikulas, Czechoslovakia, on May 18, 1979. It is a tiny town in northern Slovakia, about 285 kilometers from Bratislava, situated on the Váh River.
Additionally, the town is located in the Liptov Basin, close to the Low Tatra and Tatra mountains.
He calls his mother Katarina Martikanova. Jozef Martikan is also the name of his father. However, there is currently no information available regarding Michal’s brother. Also know about Birgit Fischer
Michal Martikan: Olympic career
At the age of 16, Michal Martikán won the title of youngest slalom canoe World Cup winner. With little to lose on the second attempt, Michal gave it his best and narrowly defeated Czech Republican and reigning champion Luká Pollert.
In addition, three months later, at the age of 17, he placed sixth in the canoe slalom singles competition at the 1996 Olympics. First independent Slovakian to win an Olympic medal was Michal.
Additionally, he entered the 2000 Olympics as the clear favorite after consistently finishing first in all key competitions and World Cup series. Similarly, Michal qualified for the Sydney Games with the most unbelievable score. But after the first run of the championship, he was only in fifth place.
In the second run, Michal likewise paddled flawlessly, and his time was the fastest of the round. Additionally, he was able to overtake France’s Tony Estanguet for second place and the silver medal.
Michael dominated the qualifying round while appearing in his third Olympics in 2004. He also won the semifinal race, which served as the opening run of the championship.
worldwide competition
Michal has an uninterrupted run of medals at the individual C1 World Championships from 1995 to 2010.
At the 2011 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, Michal finished without a medal in an Olympic or World Championship individual competition. Ironically, he failed on the Cunovo course outside of Bratislava in front of a home audience.
But Michal continued to collect medals by helping his Slovak teammates win gold in the team competition. The Slovak athlete won six more gold medals in the C1 team competition between 2013 and 2019, giving them 17 straight World Championships with a medal.
European Championship
Michal won four straight individual gold medals at the European Championships between 2007 and 2010. Furthermore, with him on the team, Slovakia won the C1 team competition 11 times.
In addition, Michal has two bronze medals, four silver medals (4 in individual events, and two in team events) (1 in the team event and 1 in the particular event).
Conviction for Manslaughter
In November 1997, Martikan was engaged in a car accident in Velké Záluie, Slovakia. A pedestrian was killed in the collision caused by the vehicle he was operating. Michal was moving more than double the legal speed limit of 40 km/h, according to the investigation.
The collision happened in the dark outside of a frequented area, and the deceased man was also found to be very intoxicated at the time.
Due to violating the terms of his probation, Martikan was about to go to jail. Despite substantial condemnation, Michael was granted a presidential pardon by the then-President Rudolf Schuster. Along with sparing him from prison, the president virtually exonerated him of the conviction.
Michal Martikan: Physical Characteristics
Michal Martikan, a Slovak canoeist, was born in 1979. He is thus 43 years old right now. On his body, Michal does not have any tattoos. Michal also has a really endearing demeanor. Additionally, Michal is a Leo. Taurus-born humans are practical, dependable, and accountable. They are also wise and daring. And Michal Martikan is no exception.
Michal has a powerful body and an athletic build, to speak specifically. Additionally, Michal is 5 feet 7 inches tall. He carries around 72 kilograms.
The Slovak canoer maintains physical fitness by eating well. Furthermore, he exercises every day in the gym. In a similar vein, Michal enjoys practicing, kayaking, hiking, and windsurfing. As a result, Michal is a somewhat daring person by nature.
Social Media:
The canoeist has social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Michal is known as Michal Martikan OLY on Facebook. There are more than 3.2k fans of his Facebook page.
Michal is also active on Instagram under the handle @michalmartikan. He has more than 3,000 Instagram followers.
There is no dedicated YouTube channel for the slalom canoeist. But several of his movies are posted on the Olympics’ official page.
Questions and Answers
Has Michal Martikan any relatives who play sports?
Yes, his father also competes in the slalom, exactly like Michal. Michal’s father once participated in slalom canoe competitions. In addition, Michal’s father doubles as his mentor and most significant influence in his life.
What is Michal’s guiding principle or mantra in sports?
Michal abides by the tenet that failures must be honored just as much as successes. He thinks victories are unquestionably exceptional. Losses, however, provide much greater drive. Without considering your setbacks and errors, in Michal’s opinion, you cannot succeed in life or in anything else.