On Jan. 14, cross-country skier Kateřina Neumannová was named the Czech Republic's Athlete of the Year for 2006. She won the annual poll of sports journalists and experts thanks to winning a gold medal in women's 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) freestyle race at the Winter Olympics in February. It was the only gold medal for the Czechs.

ŠUMAVA

Neumannová recently received criticism from environmentalists for practicing in a protected area of the Šumava National Park in west Bohemia. The Rainbow Movement complained that Neumannová skied in the areas that are closed to the public and could disturb protected animal species living there. Neumannová said she practiced there due to the lack of snow in other places and received permission from the national park's director.

DOWNHILL

Twenty-one-year-old Šárka Záhrobská became the first Czech downhill skier in 21 years to medal in the alpine skiing World Cup. Záhrobská finished third in the women's slalom in a Jan. 4 race in Zagreb, Croatia. She finished second in another World Cup slalom competition in Kranjska Gora, Jan. 7.

CAPTAIN

Tomáš Sivok, captain of the Sparta Praha soccer team, is set to transfer to Italy's Udine. Sparta agreed with Udine Jan. 10 to sell Sivok for nearly 80 million Kč ($3.75 million). The 23-year-old midfielder is prepared to sign a four-year contract in Italy. Udine has also opened talks with Liberec over the transfer of defender Tomáš Zápotočný.

TRANSFERS

Striker Pavel Fořt is moving from Slavia Prague to Toulouse in France. Meanwhile, Zdeněk Grygera, currently a defender for Ajax Amsterdam, appears to be on the verge of transferring to Italy's Juventus Turin.

BAROŠ

The future of striker Milan Baroš, who now plays with Aston Villa in the English Premiership, remains unclear. In early January, powerhouse Chelsea surprisingly expressed interest in Baroš, who is struggling in Birmingham. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said later, however, that no new players were likely to join his team this winter. Baroš also received some offers from the Spanish first division.

RECOVERY

Chelsea goalie Petr Čech is on his way back to the field. Čech has successfully recovered from a skull fracture he received in a game in Reading Oct. 14 after colliding with striker Stephen Hunt. Čech told reporters Jan. 10 that he could make his comeback against Liverpool Jan. 20.

FAILURE

The Czech Under-20 hockey team finished fifth at the World Under-20 Championship in Sweden that took place in late December and early January. The Czechs recorded three wins and three losses. In the Jan. 4 game for fifth place, the team beat Finland 6-2.

PENSION