Meet Viola: A Young MTBO Talent on the Rise

From overcoming a serious leg injury to finishing first in a race and third overall in the Czech MTBO (Mountain Bike Orienteering) Cup, she embodies the Prague British International School’s spirit of resilience and determination. “Don’t give up just because things are hard,” she says. “You never know when things will turn around.”

At just 14 years old, Viola has already shown what it means to combine passion, resilience, and determination - not just in sport, but also at school, when she arrived to the adventurous residential trip on crutches. She’s unstoppable. A new member of the PBIS community, she’s building her own trail in the exciting world of Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO).

A love for sport and words

When asked about her favourite subjects, she doesn’t hesitate: English and PE. For her, it’s the perfect balance between the love of writing and storytelling while also enjoying the physical challenges she thrives on. “Apart from riding, I love running, usually longer distances. I also like to write and try new things,” she shares.

Inspiration runs in the family

Cycling and orienteering run in the family. With both parents successful in the sport (and her mum a World Championship medalist) it’s no surprise that she found her way onto a bike early on. "I've been doing MTBO since I remember." But for her, it’s not just about cycling. “There’s something magical about making your own path, with every race being different. The orienteering part is really unique, and I love that about it.”

Lessons that go beyond the bike

She’s learnt that sport isn’t always easy. There are wrong turns and setbacks, but each one builds resilience. Her lesson: “I went to controls number 8 and 9 instead of 7, but I didn’t give up. I went back and still finished third.” (In MTBO, controls are checkpoints on the course that riders must find in the right order — missing one usually costs you the race.)

Her advice to other students that want to try something new? “Just jump straight into it! It can be scary at first, but you never know, the thing you try might become your whole passion.”

Her story, and others like it, remind us that success isn’t just about winning medals, it’s about finding joy in the journey, staying strong through challenges, and daring to try something new, even when you experience setbacks, like she did.