DANIELA LEDECKÁ – Slovakian 400m Hurdles Star
Daniela Ledecká is one of Slovakia’s premier track and field athletes, specializing in the challenging 400 meters hurdles. Competing for VŠC Dukla Banská Bystrica, she has established herself as a trailblazer for Slovak athletics on the international stage and a consistent performer in one of track and field’s most demanding disciplines.
Athletic Accomplishments:
Ledecká has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career, proudly holding seven national championship titles and five national indoor championship titles. Her breakthrough moment came in 2022 when she made history as the first Slovak woman to compete in the 400 meters hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, marking a significant achievement for Slovak athletics.
Her personal best in the 400 meters hurdles stands at an impressive 54.69 seconds, achieved in June 2025 at Štadión SNP in Banská Bystrica. This performance has positioned her among Europe’s top hurdlers, currently ranking #27 in the world in the women’s 400m hurdles. She has also demonstrated versatility with strong performances in the flat 400 meters, clocking 52.71 seconds indoors in February 2025 at Ostrava, and recording 37.83 seconds in the 300 meters at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.
Ledecká has represented Slovakia at numerous major championships, including reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome and the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, where she finished with the tenth-fastest time of 53.39 seconds. She has also been a semi-finalist at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Her international experience extends to the 2018 European Athletics Championships in Berlin, where she competed in both the 400m hurdles individually and as part of Slovakia’s 4x400m relay team that placed eighth overall.
At the 2021 World Athletics Relays in Chorzów, Poland, Ledecká finished sixth in the innovative 2x2x400m relay format alongside Patrik Dömötör. In August 2023, she claimed fourth place at the World University Games (FISU Games) in Chengdu with a time of 56.71 seconds, demonstrating her consistency at the highest university level of competition.
In 2025, Ledecká made her prestigious Diamond League debut at the London Athletics Meet, joining fellow Slovak hurdler Emma Zapletalová in representing her nation on athletics’ biggest stage. She also competed at the 2025 Diamond League finals in Zürich, finishing fourth with a solid performance.
Her success at the national level is equally impressive. At the 2025 Slovak National Championships, Ledecká won her second individual 400m title with a new championship record of 52.66 seconds, becoming the first woman to break 53 seconds at the Slovak championships in this event. She has consistently topped the podium in the 400m hurdles at domestic competitions, including victories at the 2022 P-T-S Meeting and the Venizelia-Chania International Meeting.
Beyond the Track:
Ledecká’s competitive spirit extends beyond athletics. In 2023, she showcased her intellectual abilities by appearing on “Riskuj!”—Slovakia’s version of Jeopardy—alongside fellow athlete Viktória Forster. The appearance demonstrated her well-rounded personality and willingness to challenge herself in different arenas, earning praise from viewers for her knowledge and sportsmanship.
Her dedication to the sport has also contributed to academic research, as she was featured in a case study published in the Slovak Journal of Sport Science examining training cycles for 400m hurdlers. The study analyzed her progression between seasons and highlighted how increases in speed endurance and special endurance training contributed to improved personal records.
Training and Development:
As a member of the elite VŠC Dukla Banská Bystrica sports center, Ledecká benefits from world-class training facilities and coaching. Under the guidance of coach Katarína Adlerová at ŠK Dukla Banská Bystrica, she has consistently improved her performances year after year, demonstrating the dedication and work ethic required to compete at the highest international level.
Ledecká regularly competes in Slovakia’s prestigious P-T-S Meeting in Banská Bystrica, a Continental Tour Silver event that attracts world-class athletes each summer. Her performances on home soil have inspired young Slovak athletes and helped raise the profile of track and field in her country.
Looking Ahead:
Currently ranked in the top 30 globally in the 400m hurdles, Daniela Ledecká continues to push the boundaries of Slovak athletics. Her consistent improvements and breakthrough performances demonstrate her potential for even greater achievements on the world stage. As she continues to represent Slovakia with pride and determination, Ledecká remains focused on lowering her personal bests and pursuing excellence in one of track and field’s most technically demanding events.
With her combination of athletic prowess, competitive spirit, and engaging personality, Daniela Ledecká stands as an inspiring figure in Slovak sports and a role model for aspiring athletes throughout Central Europe.
Go Daniela!
