Andrea Juklova was born 1971 in  Olomouc, Czech, and began skating at the age of 6 after being scouted by Czechoslovakian coaches while in kindergarten. By the age of 12, she was the Novice National Champion and was named to the Junior National team. Andrea and her partner, Dalibor Joura, competed in many International competitions and at age 13 were chosen to attend the National Sport Center in Prague. While it was difficult leaving her home and family, Andrea, with Dalibor, represented her country at International competitions at the Junior level. It was at the National Sport Center where Andrea first met Petr Barna in 1984. They would be married in 1990.

 

After placing second at Nationals, Andrea was given a new partner, Martin Simecek. Andrea and Martin represented their country at the Junior World Championship, placing 9th, won the Junior title, Senior title, placed 7th at the European Championship, and medaled at many International competitions. At the age of 17 and on their first trip to the World Championship, they placed 10th. Hoping to place higher in the upcoming season, they decided to change their Original Dance, and missed the rest of the International competitions. In 1989, before competing at the Czechoslovakian Nationals, the pair was required to present their new Original Dance to the Czechoslovakian Figure Skating Committee and scheduled it for an exhibition show at the Junior Grand Prix. Unfortunately the couple experienced a very hard and serious fall during their first program, and Andrea’s knee suffered severe damage. After Andrea received off-ice treatment by a doctor, the couple performed their second program, the new Original Dance, and Andrea remained hopeful that it was just a bad fall, nothing else. But she had fractured her knee cap.

 

The pair missed the Europeans and the Worlds that year and being just a year or so from the Olympic Games, Andrea was becoming more and more anxious about her knee and being able to skate. But her knee did not heal well and stepping on the ice after almost 5 months in a cast and on crutches, she still could not put any weight on it. The first practice was very disappointing. In addition, a huge transformation was taking place in the newly formed Czech Republic, finally free from the Communist regime. Andrea felt that this was a perfect opportunity to make changes to the pair’s coaching and training regimen, allowing for growth as athletes and artists. With hope for a successful season in 1991, Andrea continued her physical therapy and daily training only to be disappointed by Martin’s decision to remain with their original coach. The pair split after Andrea decided that it was best to move on.

 

On September 26th, 1992 Andrea and Petr moved to Tampa/St. Pete. Sofie Barnova was born in April, 1992, and Andrea began skating again, very slowly, even though her knee was not 100%. By 1994 she was finally free from pain. Andrea says, “So instead of a World or Olympic medal, I got Sofie, and I must say that it's far more rewarding than any medal would ever be.”

 

Andrea began coaching ice dancing in Czech in 1991, working with the Slovak National champions. While choreographing Petr's Tour exhibitions and programs for international skaters, she started coaching at Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar, Florida. Andrea now coaches ice dance, Moves In the Field (MIF), choreography, and off-ice fitness (Pilates and yoga) , in the Tampa Bay area.

Andrea skated professionally with Frederick Palluel and Lyndon Johnson before finding her new love, ballroom dancing, managed by the National Dance Council of America(NDCA). In 1998, she began competing in NDCA with partner James Williard. Together they have won and medaled at many competitions, including a bronze medal at USA Nationals. They were named Triple Crown Champions,FADS National Champions and they are The World Masters Finalist.

 

Summary of competitions:

 

-3 times National Champion

-total of 8 National  medals

-1986  9th at Junior World Championship

-1989  7th at European Championship

-1989  10th at World Championship

-Prague Skate Gold medalist

-Golden Spin Silver medalist 

-Pavel Roman Memorial 2 times Gold,1time Silver 

-Cup of Gdansk Gold medalist

-Cup of Sofia Silver medalist 

-(1981-1989 competed in many Ice dancing events such as Skate America, Fuji cup, Merano cup,Trophy Lalique,Skate Electric)

-Professional shows:1994-1996 with Frederick Palluel;1996-1998 with Lyndon Johnson


Dancesport:


-2000 FADS National Champion

-2002 USA National Bronze medalist

-2005 Triple Crown Champion

-2007 World Cup finalist

 

1998 to 2007 competed and medaled at many Dancesport competitions (FADS competitions 1998-2000, NDCA 2000-2007: Florida Superstars, Herritage classic, Southern States Dancesports, Philadelphia Festival, Emerald Ball, Atlanta Open, Yankee Classic, Millennium Dancesport, Manhattan Dancesport, Volunteer State dance Challenge, Embassy Ball, Florida Fire and Ice, Capital Dancesport, Sarasota Classic, Gator Classic, First coast Classic, Hotlanta Dance Challenge, Empire State Dancesport, Ohio Star Ball and more)


Other interests:


-Diploma in Child Psychology

-Holds International certification for Pilates and Yoga