Martina Navratilova, a legendary figure in the world of tennis and a proud representative of Czech heritage, was recently honored by the Czech Parliament in a special ceremony held in Prague. The event was organized to celebrate and acknowledge Navratilova’s incredible achievements and her impact on the global sports arena.

However, recently in an interview, she shared that when she received the invitation for being honored; she was taken aback. Her reaction to being awarded the silver medal was pure shock. As she was going through some health conditions, she assumed that she was being given this award because the government thinks she might not make it.

Martina Navratilova shares how she felt when she received the invitation to be honored

This special honor bestowed upon Martina Navratilova by her home country signifies the immense pride and admiration the Czech Republic holds for her. Recently Martina was diagnosed with breast and throat cancer which left her fans in shatters.

Even though she is doing better now, it has been a long journey for her. In a recent interview with tennis.com, she shared that when she received the invitation for being honored by the Czech Parliament, her first thought was that she was being honored in time because everyone must think she was not going to make it.

She clearly stated in the interview, “When the email came from Mr. Vystrcil saying I would receive the silver medal, it was some time in February, when I had some health difficulties. I said to myself, Are they afraid I’ll die before they give it to me?”

She even stated these thoughts in the Parliament where she was honored right before her speech. Navratilova’s recognition by the Czech Parliament is a tribute to her outstanding achievements in tennis. Also, it is an acknowledgment of her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. As a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Navratilova has used her platform to raise awareness and promote inclusivity within the sports community and beyond.

Although the government has developed into a more inclusive regime at present, the country’s stringent laws on homosexuality before the 90s were one reason the 59-time Grand Slam champion had to move to the US.

Navratilova talks about her defection from the Czech Republic to the United States

Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, surviving for Martina in a country like Czech where she could not be herself was next to impossible. This is what led her to defect from her home country and move to the United States so she could live on her own terms. In the interview, she also talks about her defection and expressed her regret over it.

Read More: Days After Visiting Birthplace for a Rare Honor, Martina Navratilova Arrives at a Familiar Place to Visit an ‘Old Friend’ and Gives Her Very Own Twist to Taste ‘Strawberries’

She added, “It’s my only regret, but I had to do it. I have always tried to represent my country in the best way and I will continue to try. But you don’t realize how it will turn out with other people around me. My sister suffered a lot, I won’t even talk about my parents. I appreciate this medal so much”.

Do you think the Czech government should’ve recognized Navratilova’s achievements sooner? Let us know in the comments.

Watch Story: Serena Williams Casually Slaying in Black Outfit Stuns Husband Alexis Ohanian, Jamie Foxx, Reilly Opelka, and Others