BENGALURU: High jump legend Blanka Vlasic, former World champion and two-time Olympic medallist from Croatia, stated that every youngster should be involved in sport so that a few can be identified by trained eyes and nurtured to become champions. Serving as the international event ambassador for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Vlasic also stressed that sports bodies must prioritize the needs of athletes.
Investment in Coaches is Crucial
Vlasic, who cleared the two-metre mark over 165 times and won 14 Diamond League titles, emphasized the importance of continuous investment in coaches. She said, 'It is very important to always keep investing in coaches. There are not enough good coaches. The team around the athlete needs to be at a high level so that the athlete can produce their best results. Additionally, you need to motivate those kids to try out, so you can discover their talents and guide them correctly from an early age.'
Anti-Doping and Long-Term Success
When reminded that India leads a dubious list of athletes using banned substances, Vlasic commented, 'If you achieve success through shortcuts, your success will likely be just a single spark. Do you remember the champion who won once, or the champion who was present for 10 years with ups and downs? Beyond medals, beyond a single achievement in track and field, it is crucial to maintain a level of results over a prolonged period. That is what is valued. If you are among the top 10 in the world for more than 10 years, you can say you had a great career. One success does not make you successful if it does not last,' said the 2010 Women's Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
Reflecting on a Glittering Career
Looking back at her career, where she won every medal except an Olympic gold, Vlasic now regrets missing the top podium. However, she noted, 'I would always take the world record because there are so many Olympic gold medallists. The world record is only one. Now, I regret never having won an Olympic gold, though I would not say I have too many regrets.'
