Former Slovak archer and Olympian Alexandra Longová announced on social media that she suffered a cardiac event ten days prior, sharing a photograph from a hospital bed and thanking medical staff for giving her a second chance at life, according to Pravda.
Hospitalization After Unexpected Heart Event
Longová, who represented Slovakia in the women’s individual archery event at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, detailed the health scare in an emotional statement published over the weekend. The 32-year-old athlete explained that the medical emergency occurred without warning.
“Not everything that hurts us is visible. Not everything we manage means we manage it easily,” Longová wrote in her statement, as reported by Pravda. “And ten days ago, my own heart unexpectedly stopped. The one that accompanied me my whole life through victories, defeats, joys, and disappointments.”
Gratitude to Medical Staff and Supporters
Following the incident, Longová expressed appreciation for the healthcare professionals who treated her and acknowledged the support of her family, friends, and fellow athletes. She specifically mentioned Slovak national swimming representative Richard Nagy as someone she relies on, alongside messages from concerned fans.
“The last few days are teaching me something completely different. To slow down. To let go of control. To accept help. And to understand that I don’t have to handle everything alone,” she stated. “Thank you for getting a second chance. To the doctors and medical staff for caring for my heart. To you for the nice messages. To family for standing by me. And to you, Richard Nagy, for always being someone I can lean on.”
Reflections on World Mental Health Day
The announcement coincided with World Mental Health Day on October 10. Longová used the platform to remind her followers about the importance of emotional well-being alongside physical health.
“Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day. Let’s remind ourselves that health is not only about how our body feels, but also about what we carry inside us,” she noted. “Let’s be more perceptive and kinder to ourselves. Let’s take care not only of our body, but also of our soul.”
Athletic Career and Current Roles
Longová reached the peak of her competitive career at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she finished 22nd in the ranking round with a score of 640. She defeated India’s Laxmirani Majhi 7:1 in the first elimination round before losing 0:6 to China’s Qi Yuhong in the second round.
Her resume also includes competing at the 2015 European Games in Baku, capturing a bronze medal at the junior European championships, and finishing fifth in senior European competition. After concluding her active competitive career, she transitioned into coaching archery. She currently works in the sports department of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOŠV) and serves as a member of the European Olympic Committees Athletes’ Commission.
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