Shy Sablikova an unlikely Czech hero

Shy and frequently beset by nerves, speed skater Martina Sablikova does not want the adulation that comes with being the Czech Republic's most successful Olympian, only a decent rink to train on.

The 26-year-old was dubbed the "queen of skating" after winning the 3,000m and 5,000m at the Vancouver Games four years ago and improved her Olympic medal haul on Wednesday by retaining the longer distance title.

Three gold medals, one silver and a bronze surpass triple Olympic javelin champion Jan Zelezny's mark achieved for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.