Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Chess player showed her potential at Youth World Championships
Lucia Ševčíková (left) at the World Youth Championships. (source: Facebook Slovenský šachový zväz)
Young Slovak chess player Lucia Ševčíková has achieved a remarkable success at the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships held in Slovenia earlier this month, securing two fifth-place finishes in the Under-18 category, Sportnet reports. In the rapid tournament, she earned 7 points out of 11, while in the blitz event (for which players have around 10 seconds per move, on average), she scored 13 points from 22 games. Her consistent performance confirmed her position among the world’s top young players.
Other notable Slovak youth players included Lucia Strišková and Simona Bochničková, who both finished in the top ten in the rapid event, and Olívia Seková, who took sixth place in the Under-16 blitz. Slovak Chess Federation president Milan Roman highlighted the potential of these rising talents, calling them a promising generation for the future.
Slovak student discovered her talent at UCL and Cambridge
Frederika Malichová has been studying neuroscience at University College London and Cambridge University. (source: Archive of Frederika Malichová)
Frederika Malichová's journey to neuroscience began far from the lab – in music and art classes. Passionate about singing, piano and languages, she eventually chose science over her artistic pursuits, leading her to study biomedical sciences at University College London (UCL), she explained in a recent interview with the StartItUp portal. A personal connection influenced her decision: her father’s diagnosis with progressive non-fluent aphasia, a form of frontotemporal dementia. This inspired her to delve into neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.
At UCL, Frederika conducted research on biomarkers for frontotemporal dementia, focusing on extracellular vesicles in blood samples. Her dedication and innovative methods earned her collaborations with leading institutes like the UK Dementia Research Institute.
Frederika then pursued a master's degree at Cambridge University, continuing her exploration of how immune cells in the blood influence neurodegeneration. Her work has now earned her a spot on a PhD course in Amsterdam.
Anička from Kaufland becomes an unlikely social media phenomenon
Meet Anička, the new internet sensation and Slovak diva taking social media by storm. An employee at grocery chain Kaufland, her charm and humour have earned her the title of “the queen of slang,” captivating millions with her playful, Gen Z-inspired videos filmed in one of the chain's stores, the Refresher portal reports.
Starting with the iconic introduction, "Hi, besties, you probably know me as the GOAT at Kaufland," Anička greets her audience in a way that blends generational lingo with her endearing personality. She uses phrases like "slay" after organizing bread perfectly or "very demure, very mindful" to recommend a product. Her quirky takes on modern slang have turned her into an Instagram and TikTok phenomenon, with over 3 million views in under two weeks.
The success of these videos has been amplified by creative content from marketing agency Respect APP, earning praise from influencers and followers alike. Even a behind-the-scenes blooper reel garnered nearly a million views, further cementing Anička’s status as a social media star.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read:
Tourists were prohibited from entering this valley for 20 years. Now it's reopening, but with strict limits.
Is this your first Christmas in Slovakia? Here's everything you need to know and how to prepare for Christmas this weekend.
Nuns, wine and chaos: A student theatre’s farce hits the stage. English-language theatre has found its audience in Bratislava.
A fresh start in Slovakia: The rising star of Slovak biathlon.
Eastern Slovakia proves an increasingly attractive destination for investment.
Meme of the week
Caption: The cost of everything is rising, doctors are quitting, teachers are on the verge of striking. The president:
This week's political meme was published by the satirical site ZomriOfficial on its Facebook page, highlighting an incongruous recent post on social networks by President Peter Pellegrini.
The president has developed something of a reputation as an outspoken fish fancier. On the other pressing issues that now face Slovakia he has lately taken a less voluble stance.
You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
