THE OLYMPIC GAMES ARE THE BIGGEST SPORTS SCENE AND DREAM OF EVERY ATHLETE
In a constant search for a new adventure, snowboarding on the endless snowy terrains, Sanja Spasovska is a true lover of the mountains and the untouched nature. She says that each mountain is special and brings its own beauty, and each of them has a special place in her heart. The feeling of descending down the untouched terrain is indescribable while the feeling of climbing is a flawless self-overcoming. As a member of the Macedonian Snowboard National team, she represents the country on Snowboard Cross competitions around the world. For her, every competition is a new challenge in which she unselfishly enters to present our country in the best way. By profession Sanja is a graphic designer who experiences the mountains as a canvas on which she draws her life path.
Where does the love and interest for this sport comes from?
SS: For my beginnings on snow and life on a mountain, I have to thank most to my parents who, from my youngest age, carried me to a mountain, where we spent a lot of time. So I grew up on a places where at first I learned to respect and love the nature, mountains and the whole environment. I remember how my dad on skis drove me on his shoulders, I felt like I was on a roller coaster 😊 Then I learned to ski at the age of 6, and on the age of 12 I switched to snowboard, because the challenge seemed bigger and the sport seemed new and much more interesting. From the moment I hung the board on my feet, I felt like I hung it to my soul.
How you are preparing for the winter season, and what do you do during summer?
SS: Although snowboarding is a seasonal sport, fitness preparations last over the wholel year. During the summer, I usually ride a bike on a mountain, Vodno or near Skopje. In addition, I practice daily cardio training, balance and durability.
Who is your idol?
SS: Since we live in social networking era and we are enabled to follow athletes around the world, I have many idols, but not just in my sport. My idols are all those who every day move the boundaries of sports and have the courage to achieve higher level. I am especially inspired and motivated by the girls who unreservedly engage themselves in new challenges proving that we are equally capable in achieving excellent results.
Do you think that Macedonia has a potential to develop this sport?
SS: Macedonia has huge potential and capacity for snowboarding and skiing, which can be much more used. In our country there are excellent mountains and terrains that can be adjusted for skiing and for development of the winter sports.
How long have you been part of the Macedonian national team and how did it help you in your technique and ability to progress in this sport?
I am a part of the national team for the past three seasons, and as part of the XMKD snowboard club for 6 years. When you are part of a team and you have one from whom to learn the skills of snowboarding, it is much easier to master and improve the technique and the finesses of the sport. Nevertheless, with the help of the coach, not only from the physical point of view, it is much easier to strengthen both the psychical and mental readiness and to overcome all the challenges that lie ahead on the road to the goal.
What do you consider your highest achievement in snowboarding?
SS: From the competition perspective, I would choose the FIS BoarderCross competition in Kosovo 2015, which was my first official competition where I won the small final and I won 5th place in the general classification. But on the side of the competitions and placements, I consider the peaks and skiing on them to be my biggest success, where a feeling of freedom, fulfillment and a whole new view of the world around us is experienced.
What can you distinguish as a memory of past experience?
SS: I have experienced many unforgettable moments, because every day spent on a mountain is in itself special and has its own seal and beauty. Such was the day I would forever remember, when we climbed Korab and then skiing down. We had ideal conditions for climbing, sunny and peaceful weather, but despite the excellent conditions, we prepared for it by standards for health and safety. It was one of the toughest ascents in my life, the whole tour lasted about 8 hours, but despite the hard ascent, the moment you stand on top, you are not think about tiredness, because the view from the top is conquering and magical, while the idea that an unforgettable descent follows, leaves you with no words.
What would you recommend to younger generations?
SS: To use every new day for new experiences and challenges, not to be afraid to try out a new sport, because while you are young it is easier to achieve. To be active, to sport and spend more time in nature, learn to respect the mountains and enjoy in them. The mountains offer us an escape from the city polluted environment and an opportunity to connect with the true meaning of life.
If you can, what would you change for the future?
SS: I would initiate much more to be done for the development of winter sports in Macedonia. Ski centers throughout the country work with minimal capacities and technology, while having a potential for much more. We would like to have the conditions to train at a much higher level, which will enable us to achieve much better results.
Did you follow the Winter Olympic Games, who were your favorites?
Absolutely. Unfortunately this year I watched the Games only on TV, because the previous season I had a wrist injury, so I missed a great part of the season and I failed to get a ranking. At these Olympics, the girls showed a gigantic courage and an unprecedented level of driving in all snowboarding disciplines. I cheered for Lindsey Jacobellis and Eva Samkova in the cross-country bordering. Lindsey failed again to win the long-awaited gold and the only medal missing in her career, while Eva won the 3rd place. Any respect for all the girls who have demonstrated a remarkable ride on a huge and attractive stash.
Are the Olympic Games your dream?
In fact, the Olympic Games are a dream of every athlete, it is the biggest stage where all the best athletes show the best of themselves and proudly represent their countries. Of course, my greatest wish and goal is one day to perform at the Winter Olympics and proudly present Macedonia. I believe that one day my Olympic dream will come true.
