Quick Questions – Sandra Perkovic

1. What have you been up to since September?

Last season was full of big competitions, and very hard and tiring practice sessions. After everything ended, I went on well deserved vacation and rested my mind and my body. It was amazing, and when the time came to start my new training cycle, I was ready to tackle new challenges.

2. Last year you won every major title going. Is there anything you can really improve on this year?

There is always room for more. At the end of any season, my team and I re-evaluate current practices and consider implementing new methods that would add value to the overall process. This is how we ensure our continuous improvement. The status quo is never acceptable.

3. What are your biggest goals for this summer?

The IAAF Diamond League is about to start, and I am impatiently waiting the start of my season. 2017 is the year in which I get to defend my World Champion title – in the same stadium where I won my first Olympic gold. Every time I step into that circle or walk through the London Stadium will be very emotional for me, so London is my biggest goal for this season.

4. How important is the Diamond League as preparation for the big tournaments?

Diamond League competitions are the big tournaments. Every meet is clash of the titans, top athletes in each event are fighting for the Diamond Trophy, and it is interesting to see how they function in different environments. Meets are spread out all over the world and organization is top notch. I am blessed to have the opportunity to travel around the globe, and along with other athletes show the fruits of our labor to the people who share our love towards this sport.

5. Do you think you can win the Diamond League again under the new championship format? 

Victory is always the goal,  but the only thing I have control over is the amount of work I’m putting in every day, my focus and hunger for the result. I will keep giving my best and I’m sure the outcome will be positive. This year’s Diamond League structure this year is very interesting. It was an unpleasant surprise when I found out that they had reduced presence of technical events from seven to only five meets, and I wish the start times were the same as they were before.

6. You now have five Diamond Trophies. Where do you keep them?

All of my trophies and awards are kept in my family house. This is the house where I grew up and where I kept my first medals and trophies, so why break the tradition?