Insider Sport’s Matchday Programme offers a personal look at what sporting moments and figures have inspired industry stakeholders. Through candid reflections, the programme delves into the stories behind the inspirations that have shaped their perspectives and fuelled their passion for sports.
In this edition, Pavol Neruda, Co-Owner of OKTAGON MMA, reflects on the exceptional leadership of Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal. Neruda is particularly inspired by Horner’s ability to motivate and unify his team, highlighting how Horner’s leadership goes beyond personal success, focusing instead on guiding the entire team to achieve greatness.
Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?
I think it is Losene Keita (OKTAGON MMA featherweight Champion). He is a living example of someone who sees only victory in his head. There are very few people with this kind of mindset. Of course, you have it until you lose, but he is special in this way. For me, with this question, there is just one answer and that is Losense. It’s very inspirational to see this kind of thinking, not just for fighting, but for every aspect of life.
Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you?
When I was super small it was Scottie Pippen! He was my favourite basketball player and I would always wear his jerseys, and then when I grew up, it was Dorian Yates, the bodybuilder.
I don’t know why, but he was so heroic to me and still is, I like his life journey. I loved bodybuilding since I was a kid and my Dad took me to the gym, so Yates was always an inspiration.
What sports team do you follow the closest? Is this a family team or local side etc, and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club?
When I was younger, my club was Slovan Bratislava. My Dad was a fan, and my Grandad, and similar to the UK, you are born into the fanbase and you inherit it. But when I grew up, the best memories I have are with Partisan Belgrade. I went around Europe supporting them and they have great fans and are an amazing club.
Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc, who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Principle. This guy, oh my God, I was watching ‘Drive to Survive’ mostly because of him – how he talked to people, how he talked to his opponent, how he solved problems and how he motivated his team.
I’d say he’s my leadership hero from a sporting environment. He’s one of a kind. It is the perfect example of leadership – it’s not about him, he is the guy who encourages the whole team to get there and achieve, and that’s what I like.
What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this league stood out to you the most in recent memory?
For sure, the NFL. They are the best thing in the world of sport and I take a lot of inspiration from them. The last Superbowl was amazing, and spectacular, with the Chiefs winning in overtime.
There are other moments, Olympic world records, or when Slovakia won the ice-hockey World Championships in 2001. We are a hockey nation and everyone was in the streets, celebrating I will never forget how one moment can connect the whole country.
I remember when I was leaving the hockey celebrations, there was a car crash in front of me. Two cars bumped into each other, and the guys got out, and were saying ‘Oh it’s okay, we’re World Champions, let’s forget it.’ They were super friendly and handled it, and it was a really unique moment.
Then, of course, the moments in OKTAGON MMA. There were 28,000 in attendance at Eden Stadium this year when Karlos Vemola beat Attilah Vegh – that was crazy.
If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?
Very good question. This is hard, many moments come to my mind, but it would be UFC 157: Ronda Rousey vs Liz Carmouche, the first female fight in UFC. I’m a big fan of female MMA and this was a huge moment. The fight was great, the build-up was amazing, and it’s something I would have liked to have seen.
If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?
The first name that jumps to me is Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is a legend and a super inspiring person. However, I have read all of his books and watched all of the movies, stories and podcasts, so maybe I know Arnold too well!
If not Arnold, then it would have to be Christian Horner. I could learn a lot from him and how he leads his people and manages his organisation. I would love to see or hear how he manages such a huge team at the top level and keeps them doing their best.
