YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD PURSUE THEIR DREAMS
Sara Ristovska is only 19, but she has already managed to become part of the first team squad of the Macedonian Women’s National Handball Team, and she has been named the Champions League Rookie of the Round.
While her peers go through life relaxed and without taking up any major responsibilities, except for their student obligations, Sara lives the life of a true professional athlete, having two practices every day and giving up on many satisfactions other youngsters enjoy. Nevertheless, she says she is completely fine with that. She is well aware of the burden imposed by her profession and she is honored to have finally made it in the team she has always dreamt of.
As for us, we are even more honored to have this rising handball star as a guest of our today’s interview, which we hope will inspire young people to follow in her footsteps.
You have recently joined WHC Vardar, which is the third handball team you have been part of in your career. It seems that you have managed to get into the team very quickly or there is much more to it?
It has always been my dream to become part of “Vardar”. I am thrilled to be able to play for this club at the age of only 19. I have already been part of the Champions League and I was named Rookie of the Round at the game against “Hypo”. This is definitely a big step and a great challenge in my career and I am pretty sure that I have made the right choice. This is so first of all, because I am in my home town, and secondly, because I am playing for a Macedonian club.
We are all aware that being a professional handball player requires giving up on many things. For a youngster such as yourself, does this mean that there are moments when you wish you had the relaxed life your peers have?
It is perfectly normal to aspire towards living a more relaxed private life, but unfortunately, there are only rare moments when I can take pleasure in it. I enjoy relaxing after a hard practice and having a cup of coffee to get away from handball, at least mentally. Actually, I seldom have free time, but once I manage to find some, I dedicate it to myself.
How does your typical day look like?
I will say it once again; the active portion of my day is dedicated exclusively to handball. I have two practices daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. In between practices, I usually try to get as much rest as possible, but I also use my time to take a walk. Having in mind that my morning practices take place early in the morning, I usually do not stay up late.
Do you usually pay attention to maintaining good balance between the calories you consume and your daily physical activities?
Of course, I pay attention to my diet and physical activities. My practices take up almost half of my day, so I also try to have a balanced diet. Nonetheless, on rare occasions, I allow myself the satisfaction to go outside my usual eating routines, such as eating a whole bar of chocolate, but then I work out a bit harder to burn the calories (laughing).
What would you recommend to young people who would like to follow in your footsteps?
I would recommend them to pursue their dreams and constantly invest in their development because this is certainly a formula that never fails to yield results. Every day brings something new, so I learn something new every single day. Fantasy is the best asset every person can possess.
What are your daily routines that help you to stay fit?
I think that any person engaged professionally in any activity should have a specific daily routine, and that is completely normal. I usually get up early, and I always try to have balanced diet, get enough sleep and do everything it takes to stay fit. However, once the practices are over, I am a bit more relaxed.
