60 Seconds With…Sandra Perković

by croatiaweek
March 19, 2014
in Sport

She was one of just 3 Croatians to win gold at the 2012 Olympics in London and was also the youngest ever European champion of her sport. Croatia’s World and European discus champion Sandra Perković, fresh from setting the new Croatian record and her personal best with a throw of 70.51 meters earlier this month, talks to Croatia Week for the latest edition of ’60 Seconds With…’

Hi Sandra, you have had an amazing career, is there one performance that stands out?

I can’t really pick only one competition. Every competition is special in its own way, every medal tells its own story. Every competition had different impact on my career and on me as a person

Who was your favourite athlete when you were a kid growing up?

My favorite athlete was and still is Croatian Olympian Janica Kostelić, I admire her athletic accomplishments, but I also value her as a person

Fellow Olympic gold medal winner and role model Janica Kostelić

Which is your favourite stadium you have competed at in the world?

There is a couple of them where I really enjoyed competing at; London-Olympic stadium, Mosow, Brussles, Laussane,Zurich…

Do you get nervous before big events?

I am not nervous, I get more sharp and focused though. An athlete can’t be to chilled before competition, there has to be a certain dose of seriousness used for the preparation for the battle

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before an event?

I don’t really have any special rituals. When I’m getting ready for the competition I appreciate a clean room, so when I’m putting the gear in my bag I don’t forget anything

What was the feeling like standing on the podium in London with the gold medal around your neck?

A lot of thoughts were running through my head. I was thinking about all the effort I put into, hard work and dedication finally paid off. I wish I can explain my emotions when they put that medal around my neck, but words can’t describe it