Alexandra and Sandra Halounova of the Czech women's ice hockey team fought side by side as teammates and twin sisters and are now heading to more goals in lives.
by sportswriter Yang Boyi
TURIN, Italy, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Teammates? Twin sisters? Call them what you want. They are the Halounova sisters playing for the Czech women's ice hockey team.
A glimpse at their Instagram reveals Alexandra and Sandra Halounova sharing moments on and off the ice - snapping selfies, building snowmen, holding trophies, and battling side by side in competition.
Both 24 years old and in their final undergraduate year at the University of West Bohemia, Alexandra and Sandra not only share a home campus but also lace up their skates as teammates on the university's ice hockey team.
From their home campus to the rink at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games competition in Palatazzoli, the siblings have shared many life journeys.
IT ALL STARTED IN TURIN
"I've been playing hockey since 2006," shared Sandra. "I started because of the Olympic Games here in Turin. So it's pretty special to be here and play for my country."
The Winter Olympics ignited their passion for the sport when they were just six years old. How wonderful that, 19 years later, the sisters are teammates on the Czech team, which triumphed over the United States in its opening game on January 12.
CLOSE BATTLE
There's no denying that the thrilling match between the Czech Republic and the United States was a neck-to-neck battle.
After the teams exchanged the first four goals, Czechia ended the tug of war and took control with two quick strikes late in the second period, ultimately winning 6-3.
"We got some proper place, and we got to go from there. We tried to shoot as frequently as we could and screen in front of the goalie so she couldn't see anything. That really helped us and put us in an advantage," said Sandra, who contributed to the win with one goal.
THE OLDER SISTER MAKES THE CALLS
Same university, but different faculties. Alexandra is studying political science, while her younger sister Sandra is a law student. From elementary to high school, "we were in the same classroom, always," the sisters said.
It's clear that their strong on-ice chemistry stems from their close bond. Whether it's on or off the ice, Alexandra always takes the decisions. And Sandra fully trusts her choices.
"I'm just the clone," Sandra laughed. "It [hockey] was really her [Alexandra's] choice. I don't think I would have chosen it, but I love it."
As for who chooses the ice cream flavors, which could be a key topic in Torino.
"I think she has much better taste than me, so I'm really envious when I see her food," Sandra continued. "Maybe I'll just do the same and split it. That's it!"
SHARING SPECIAL MOMENTS IN LIFE
As teammates and twin sisters, they feel a deep connection and are grateful to share these special moments in life together. "I think I wouldn't be here without her, so that's the best," Sandra concluded.
Next on their shared path is graduation, followed by the challenge of pursuing a master's degree. Whether on the ice or in the classroom, the Halounova sisters continue to shine, their story still unfolding.
The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games take place from January 13-23. ■