Česky
Jiří Curney is a Czech floorball forward, national player and three-time Czech champion. Curney started out in SK FbC Třinec and through FBC Ostrava he landed for a longer period in Mladá Boleslav, which paid Ostrava a record amount of hundreds of thousands for him. In the first year of its existence, the club reached the Superfinals for the first time in its history. In the following years, Curney broke the record for the number of goals scored and won another vice-championship title. By 2021 he had collected many records and victories in Mladá Boleslav. In the following season, he transferred to AC Sparta Prague and already in his first year he surpassed the 800 points mark in the regular season.
Jiří Curney can boast 4 bronze medals, 5 silver medals and 7 gold medals so far. All this from the Czech Floorball Cup, through the Floorball Superleague, to the World Championships.
However, the turning point in his life came in February 2023 when doctors diagnosed him with the very rare Miller Fisher Syndrome. In its simplified form, it is an acute health problem such as a high fever that can recur, and many other symptoms such as paralysis of certain eye muscles, impaired coordination or the disappearance of tendon reflexes in the limbs, which make it so difficult to diagnose and are only proven after specialist examinations. The general incidence of this syndrome is estimated at one case per million inhabitants per year.
Thanks to early diagnosis, everything is on the right track. "George is a great patient. He is cooperative and you can see how motivated he is. All his efforts are visible and every day his condition is a little bit better," said Hanna Borodina, the attending physician at the Beroun hospital.
What brought you to the Beroun Rehabilitation Hospital?
The main reason was reputation. I had the best things to say about the Rehabilitation Centre. And no matter how many doctors, physiotherapists and friends I asked, not only in the Czech Republic but in the world, they all recommended you.
You've been here a few days, but what's your first impression?
I have to say that I am very happy that I got here at all. It was really very quick and I'm happy that it worked out. I said I would take anything, any spare room, as long as I could rehabilitate with you. I'm glad it worked out.
What do you see as the uniqueness of our hospital?
I was in a hospital in Boleslav for a while for rehab, but by then we were all trying to get to you. I have to say, everyone here is nice. The support staff, the nurses and the doctors. I try to listen to them and I want to practice even more. Today they allowed me to add some gym time to my treatments so I am trying to make the most of it here. I've been lying down enough. I was immobile for almost a month in Boleslav. I couldn't get on my feet and my muscles went away. I lost a lot of weight, too. So I'm not here to lie down again, but I want to "cram" it back in. I know I have to take it slow, but I have a huge desire to get back as soon as possible.
The word "slow" is probably the worst word for me (laughs). Because I was used to train and train and suddenly I have to go slow. From strength training, suddenly it's small weights and conditioning. I know I can't rush anything, but I'm going to try to make the most of my stay here.
I would love to get back into full training and match participation. Although I know it won't be easy, it will take time.
The playoffs start tomorrow and AC Sparta's first game is against Mlada Boleslav. How do you feel?
That's a tricky question (laughs). It's a pity I can't play. It would have been a spicy duel. I was there for 9 years, so it would be interesting, but Boleslav is a tough opponent. Personally, I'm picking them for the superfinals and it's going to be a tough series for us, for Sparta.
Until today, some of the guys from "Bolka" and I are friends, we've known each other all our lives, we played in the national team and then in the club, they visited me in the hospital. We are also friends off the court, so after the season we go for golf or tennis.
How does it feel to wear the Czech national team jersey?
I think it's the greatest thing an athlete can experience. To represent your country. Playing with the best and then listening to our anthem after winning a match. There's nothing like it. It's a huge motivation to be on the national team.
What would you say to the young players?
To be good and to get into the national team is all about hard work and goals. They are such connected vessels. You have to enjoy the game of floorball, get caught up in it and be a part of it. Motivation is important, but you can't get to the top without hard work. Anyone who is at the top has to be ambitious, you can't do it without that. I always wanted something more, to make the junior national team, to break records and then win a title. I've enjoyed playing floorball since the beginning and in all its forms. From coaching players, to leading training sessions as a coach.
