FAQ: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Do you have a goal in your  swimming carrier that you would still like to reach?
My medal accomplishments from major championship competitions can be counted in dozens.  The medals are no longer my primary motivation.  To the contrary – I am staying in the sport because I love it and enjoy the life style that comes with it. The higher you get the harder it is to keep your position. (The longer one is on the top, the harder one has to work to stay there.)  I think, the price for where I am at right now, is quite high. However, I keep swimming only because I want to.

How does your husband take in your swimming? Does he tolerate it?
I have to say my husband is very supportive of my swimming. He played sports himself, so he understands what life of an athlete is about. We had known each other for a while before we got married. He knew what he was getting into. He has accepted the fact that I have to travel around the world and be away for as long as two months at times.  It  was no shock to him. He has been prepared for it, he understands and accepts the reality.  I think, he is really wonderful.

How about your plans to start a family?
Everyone has been asking me this question. Of course, my biological clock is ticking. Majority of my peers are married and have children. Certainly, my time to have children is yet to come. I believe  that  motherhood should be planned and even delayed to the time when a relationship or family can provide for child’s future. We have reached that point in time but it would be rather hard or even impossible for me to compete with a big belly (laughter).

What kind of a job would you like to do?
I do not know yet. Once my swimming carrier is over I am looking forward to having a really long break during which I will just rest and relax and even get really bored. During this idle time I hope to figure out what I want to do. A job, which would require interaction with people, would be great. I also would not mind if it would have ties  to sports.  I do plan to become a coach. This type of work  I would consider for a hobby but not for a full-time job. I have a degree in business and economics so I may try to find work in this area.