The highlight of the sporting year in 2010 is upon us and the Czech team has gone to the Winter Olympic Games with great ambitions. There are already strong contenders in several disciplines and the entire nation believes that it will enjoy a good haul of medals. Shortly before the games began, FORTUNA’s punters had shown themselves to be patriots. Apart from the highly fancied Martina Sáblíková and Lukáš Bauer, they also have faith in the country’s underrated ice-hockey team.

In summary – 5.1 million CZK has been wagered

Czechs have already made bets worth 5.1 million CZK on the Winter Olympics with Fortuna, and the total Olympic account should exceed 100 million CZK. In terms of the final medal count, they are primarily betting on a haul of five or more medals, which is also the maximum number for which odds have been given.

Martina Sáblíková – 1.2 million CZK wagered

Sáblíková is the brightest Czech star. After all, when was the last time a Czech sportsperson went to the games with genuine hopes of winning two gold medals? And, in a discipline where our country has practically no tradition? Let he who knows speak out! If nothing unforeseen happens, Sáblíková should win the 3000 m and 5000 m races. She even has a chance in the 1500 m as well.

Lukáš Bauer –500,000 CZK wagered

Although the “phantom of the white trail” has had trouble acclimatising in the past few days, he is still the winner of the last Cross-Country World Cup and the past two annual Tour de Ski events. Lukáš has not gone to Vancouver looking for a place in the top five, but to win a medal, and punters think he may even finish first.

National ice hockey team – 750,000 CZK wagered

The Czechs won’t be favourites in Vancouver. Nonetheless, history shows that this is a position that has often suited them. It is hard to say whether it is down to farsightedness or nostalgic memories of the gold-medal-winning team at the turn of the century, but fans are showing considerable faith in Vladimír Růžička’s players, which is borne out by the following breakdown of bets on who will win the gold medal: Czech Republic 50%, Russia 25%, Canada 20%.

Odds marked in red are the most popular bet for the given sportsperson (team).