Sarka Pancochova, the two-time Olympic snowboarder who represents the Czech Republic on the slopes, married her girlfriend, Kaileen, in a beautiful ceremony in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State.
As you can see in Pancochova’s photo review of the wedding (and some gorgeous photos from Cindy Santini), it was classic Sarka, complete with smiles and humor, including chugging bourbon from the bottle and a black bear strolling by in the background.
We’re not kidding:
Pancochova came out publicly a few years ago in an interview with Gretchen Pleshaw for Outsports while wearing a zebra outfit. She and Kailee joined Outsports’ Five Rings To Rule Them All podcast last year to talk about their budding relationship, and the modern-times way they met.
At the time, the couple wanted to wait until same-sex marriage was legal in the Czech Republic before getting married.
While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized there, there is positive movement in that direction in both public-opinion polls and the legislature. Pancochova will continue to fight for marriage equality in the Czech Republic.
Anyone can understand why — particularly after the last 18 months — they wanted to express their love and commitment for one another now, still a beacon of hope for LGBTQ people and same-sex couples in Pancochova’s native country.
Huge congratulations to these two women, and we hope for a lifetime of love and laughs!
