Hejnova's parents introduced her to sports early on. Her sister Michaela served as a role model, and Hejnova's competitive spirit was evident from a young age. She joined TJ Dukla Praha, a well-known club in the Czech Republic, where she trained under coaches Cerny Rudolf and Dana Jandova.

Achievements and Milestones

Hejnova's career highlights include winning gold medals in the 400m hurdles at the world championships in 2013 and 2015. She also secured a bronze medal in the same event at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In 2015, she became the first female to defend her 400m hurdles title at the world championships.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout her career, Hejnova faced several injuries. She missed the 2014 European Championships due to an ankle injury and the 2014 indoor season after fracturing a bone in her foot. In 2016, an Achilles tendon injury troubled her season, and another Achilles injury occurred in 2018.

Personal Interests and Beliefs

Hejnova enjoys travelling, playing golf, reading, listening to music, skiing, diving, and playing the piano. She carries a teddy bear named Cesta with her everywhere as part of her pre-competition rituals. Her motto is "Make a wish and your wish will be."

Awards and Recognition

Hejnova has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named Sportsperson of the Year by the Club of Sport Journalists in the Czech Republic in 2013, 2015, and 2019. Additionally, she was honoured as the Army Athlete of the Year in 2015 and Female Athlete of the Year by European Athletics in 2013.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Hejnova aims to reach the final at future Olympic Games. Her dedication to athletics continues to inspire many young athletes.

Contribution to Sports Development

In 2014, Hejnova founded the Zuzana Hejnova Sports Academy (HESU) in the Czech Republic. The academy encourages children and adults to participate in sports, fostering a love for physical activity and healthy competition.

Zuzana Hejnova resides in Prague and speaks Czech fluently. Known by nicknames Lula and Zuza among fans and peers, she remains a significant figure in athletics.