Martina Navratilova has been honoured by the Czech parliament in a ceremony to celebrate her career and her courage to be herself with a silver medal.
That courage saw Navratilova flee war torn Czechoslovakia risking it all for her tennis future becoming a legend.
On returning to her homeland, she called it an honour especially given her recent well documented battles with breast and throat cancer.
"When the email came from Mr. Vystrcil saying I would receive the silver medal, it was some time in February, when I had some health difficulties," she said. "I said to myself, 'Are they afraid I'll die before they give it to me?'"
Navratilova continued on her defection: "It's my only regret, but I had to do it. I have always tried to represent my country in the best way and I will continue to try. But you don't realize how it will turn out with other people around me. My sister suffered a lot, I won't even talk about my parents. I appreciate this medal so much."
"We lived in a cage, and you had the strength and courage to break that cage and fly out of it," said Upper Chief Milos Vystcil who awarded Navratilova in a statement.
"You gained your freedom and became the best tennis player in the world. And you suffered and your family suffered. But you stuck to your guns. Sometimes, you have to suffer when you get your way. We should remember that.
"You have spoken openly about who you are and with whom you are, and in doing so you have helped a large number of people with a similar fate. You have helped and are helping the weak and vulnerable, those who have less than you. You are brave and never give up. In life, just like on the tennis court."
