​What do you consider to be the most stressful part of your sport? What causes you the most stress?

​The most stressful part of track and field, especially in sprints and the 400m hurdles, is the moment just before the start. It’s the period when all thoughts and tension

peak, as the effort of months or even years is condensed into just a few seconds. The stress comes from the desire to perform at your best and confirm your

preparation. Especially in major events like the Olympics or World Championships, the expectations from both myself and others can add even more pressure.

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Do you think the stress you feel motivates you or prevents you from performing at your best? Have you ever felt that you didn’t perform as well as you could in a race because of your stress?

​Stress, if managed properly, can be a driving force and can be productive. Personally, in many cases, it has helped me focus and give my best performance. However,

there have also been times when stress overwhelmed me. I remember races where my body was ready, but my mind couldn’t handle the pressure, especially when I

was younger. But it’s something completely normal, and the best preparation is the key to success.

 

How do you manage your stress in general and right before a race?​

Managing stress has been an ongoing process for me. Generally, I preferred talking with my coaching team. Some athletes had worked with sports psychologists,

who helped them better understand the pressure and develop coping strategies.

Just before the race, I followed specific routines. For example:

• They focused on breathing to calm down.

• They would say positive affirmations to themselves, like "You’re ready, you’ve got this."

 

How do you manage failure in a race?​

Failure is part of sports and life, and I always tried to approach both triumph (success) and disaster (failure) in the exact same way, without extremes. After a bad race,

I would always give myself some time to process my emotions. Then, I would try to see the situation realistically:

• I would recognize what went wrong and what I could improve.

• I would remind myself that even the greatest athletes have bad moments.

• I would focus on coming back stronger for the next race.

Support from my team and loved ones was also crucial in overcoming failures.

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Do you think there are dietary or other habits that may play a role in controlling stress?

Certainly, habits in general affect how you manage stress. Personally:

• I preferred a balanced diet, always based on my energy needs.

• I made sure to get enough sleep, as lack of sleep intensifies stress.

Additionally, a daily routine of exercise and relaxation (massage, recovery, etc.) significantly helped with inner balance.