My sports story didn’t happen by accident, and it’s not tied to just one activity – it’s a colorful blend of different practices that, over the years, have shaped me, strengthened me, and taught me how far you can go when you truly connect with your body.

In my family, sport has always been a part of everyday life, and it was my late father who made sure I was surrounded by love for movement and physical activity from an early age. Today, all the activities I found myself in over the years – modern dance, swimming, skiing, volleyball, obstacle races, crossfit – are part of my world. Each has its own role. But if I had to choose, it would be volleyball and swimming – my first and greatest loves.

I learned to swim early, and ever since, water has been my peace zone. Swimming helps me regulate stress, breathing, and heart rate, maintain physical fitness, and relieve back pressure– but above all, it brings me calmness. Volleyball came later – I fell in love with the game, the team spirit, and the contagious energy on the court.

Volleyball and swimming are two completely different worlds. One is team-based, dynamic, and full of adrenaline. The other is calm, almost meditative.

Although I’ve never trained professionally, swimming taught me how to be alone with myself – without noise, without pressure, just focused on the rhythm of breath and movement. Volleyball, on the other hand, taught me the importance of playing for the team – and for yourself. I still play recreationally, and every time it reminds me how healing movement and togetherness can be – for both body and mind.

Sport keeps me healthy – physically and mentally – and helps me stay resilient, both to stress and to life’s challenges. The skills I carry over from sport into work are many: focus, quick decision-making, team communication, and most importantly – perseverance. Just like in sports, I’ve learned that results don’t come overnight, but through practice, repetition, and patience.

To colleagues who say they don’t have time for sports, I would say: sport isn’t just physical activity or a waste of time – it’s an investment in yourself, and a way to live healthier and happier.