Olympic champion speed skater reveals secret 12-YEAR relationship with teammate after claiming 'people are trying to speak on my behalf'
A multiple-time Olympic champion has sensationally revealed that she has been in a secret 12-year relationship with one of her teammates.
Czech speed skater Martina Sablikova, 37, took to social media to confirm her relationship with Nikola Zdrahalova, 29, and implied that she has been pressured into the declaration following chatter about her private life.
Sablikova, who has won a total of seven Olympic medals and more than 20 world championship titles, labelled Zdrahalova her 'rock' and insisted that, despite her revelation, protecting her privacy 'truly matters'.
In the message which accompanied an intimate photo of the couple, Sablikova wrote: 'You know that I have always kept my private life private - and that will not change because it is really important to me.
'But lately, I've had the feeling that some people have been trying to speak on my behalf, and it's been a bit much for me.
'So here it is, straight from me: Niky Zdrahalova and I are a couple. She's my rock, we're happy, and we've shared a beautiful life together for over 12 years.'
Zdrahalova is a fellow speed skater who has participated at the 2018 Olympic Games.
The pair can regularly been seen in each other's social media posts in recent years.
Sablikova received an outpouring of goodwill following her post, with many fans saddened that she felt pressure to publicly confirm her relationship status.
'Martina, what you have done in your life is unforgettable,' wrote one user on Instagram. 'You are an icon and legend of speed skating and now you have shown that you are also a loving and strong woman. You look very beautiful and don't let anyone trample on your happiness and love.'
Another wrote: 'I'm sorry you were forced to do this, but I'm extremely happy for you and wish you the best of luck.'
'I think we already live in a time when love doesn't need to be hidden,' began a third. 'And the two of you together, it's such a beautiful symbiosis, understanding and support that you should be an inspiration to many opposite-sex couples what a healthy relationship looks like.'
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