Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

World champions: Katerina Stefanidi

Written by 
Published in Athletics
Saturday, 31 August 2019 11:28

In the first of our series in which Stuart Weir speaks to reigning world champions, pole vault winner Stefanidi shares her experience of striking gold in London two years ago

What do you remember about the London 2017 World Championships?

I remember the whole stadium dancing with great songs playing – both when I was jumping and during the ceremony the next day. That is definitely my No.1 memory. I remember very much the feeling of confidence. I went into the competition and I almost knew that I would win. I think that’s very important in any event but especially in the pole vault when it is such a mental event. And now I’m finally getting that feeling back.

What does it mean to you to be world champion?

That’s a hard one. It is something that you dream of as a kid and I think for me maybe more than other people because I started so young – I started pole vaulting aged 10 and even before that I was already doing track and field. The idea of being Olympic champion, world champion, European champion was this big goal and my dream from a very early age. Even at 12 years old I would cross the road and I would say “you need to be very careful because if you get hit by a car, how can you be world champion and break the world record?” I mean, a 12-year-old doesn’t think that way. My parents and coach at the time pushed me so much to think that way and that’s probably why I care so much more about medals right now than I do about records. It’s hard to say exactly what it feels like but I think that gives you an idea of how important it is for me.

“I almost knew that I would win”

As world champion, Olympic champion and European champion do you feel unbeatable?

I don’t! My coach would like me to, but I don’t. Every year is new and I think you build that confidence, of going into the meeting feeling like you will win no matter what, throughout the season. So for me, every year is new. I was European champion last year but now I need to come out and jump good again and build that confidence. And kind of catch up mentally with where I am physically. But there is definitely some confidence and it is not just me being confident, it’s about the other girls thinking ‘she has been able to perform well when it mattered’ but at the end of the day I still need to do it again.

How do you peak for Doha when it is such a long season?

I would almost say that it is an advantage for me because every year it takes me a little while to get used to the longer poles because I mostly only use them in competition. With having an extra month to the season I think it would allow me to do a few more competitions, be a little more consistent and maybe be able to raise my grip. I’ve said in the last three years that the only thing I think I’m missing from breaking the world record is the grip. I have pushed as far as (three-time world champion Yelena) Isinbayeva has, I’m just gripping lower on the same poles. Every year by the end of the year I slowly raise my grip but now I have an extra month or maybe a little more and I think it can definitely get us a little closer to those five-metre or five and above heights.

Read 2464 times

Soccer

Rodman looks to cap golden year with NWSL title

Rodman looks to cap golden year with NWSL title

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman said T...

Fever's Clark joins Cincinnati NWSL expansion bid

Fever's Clark joins Cincinnati NWSL expansion bid

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIndiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is part of the ownership group try...

Can the NWSL ever compete with MLS, NHL, NFL or NBA?

Can the NWSL ever compete with MLS, NHL, NFL or NBA?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- For years, the global debate around the NWSL's...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

George has bone bruise, to miss at least 2 games

George has bone bruise, to miss at least 2 games

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPhiladelphia 76ers star Paul George has a bone bruise in his left k...

'Lot of interest' in C's sale; owner plans '28 exit

'Lot of interest' in C's sale; owner plans '28 exit

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, whose family is i...

Baseball

City OKs, then reverses $23M to fix Rays' stadium

City OKs, then reverses $23M to fix Rays' stadium

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The St. Petersburg City Council reversed co...

Ohtani, Judge capture unanimous MVP honors

Ohtani, Judge capture unanimous MVP honors

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsShohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge make up the pinnacle of their profess...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated