Radko Gudas Pursues Father’s Olympic Legacy with Czechia at Milan Olympics

Casey Halston

Published: February 12, 2026 11:48 AM ET

Radko Gudas Pursues Father’s Olympic Legacy with Czechia at Milan Olympics

Radko Gudas, captain of the Anaheim Ducks, is ready to honor his father’s Olympic legacy at the Milan Olympics. His father, Leo Gudas, won a bronze medal as a defenseman for Czechoslovakia in the 1992 Albertville Games. Though Radko was only 18 months old at the time, the medal has influenced his life and career.

Chasing Olympic Glory

Now 35, Radko Gudas aims to add an Olympic medal to his family’s collection. This marks his second Olympic appearance, having previously played for Czechia in Sochi in 2014. Gudas has yet to experience the Olympic spirit in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, as NHL players did not participate in those Games.

“My dad is always waving at me the bronze medal from Albertville. I need to beat him to be able to wave at him something too,” Gudas stated, indicating his deep motivation.

A Veteran’s Presence

Gudas is recognized as one of the most physical players in the NHL. Over his 14 seasons in the league, he has played 872 games and has made a significant impact with teams like Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Washington, Florida, and Anaheim. Since the 2012-13 season, he ranks second in hits, recording 3,205, second only to Matt Martin.

His performance has not gone unnoticed by teammates. Vancouver Canucks center David Kampf, who plays alongside him on Team Czechia, said, “It’s always tough to play against him. He’s a heavy, heavy guy and plays hard.”

Family Support in Milan

Gudas’ family is a crucial part of this journey. His father plans to visit Milan later in the tournament for key games, while his mother, wife, and children are already there, enjoying the experience. “It’s a fun time in our family,” Gudas shared. “We show the kids that their grandpa was at the Olympics, too. Now I’m here too, so they’re kind of soaking it in.”

Challenges Ahead

The Czech team is set to open the tournament against Canada, a match Gudas described as one of their biggest challenges. Despite facing powerhouse nations, he believes that Team Czechia can compete effectively.