Girls can do it too: how Veronika Khavlik became a 14-time world karate champion

The Instagram account of 30-year-old Veronika Khavlik has more than 100,000 followers. On the page, the 14-time world karate champion talks about fitness and shares moments from her life. In addition, the girl has a YouTube channel where she shows her favorite workouts, exercises for specific muscle groups in the gym and at home. The difficult story of the champion’s achievements inspires to go forward to dreams with confidence. We talked to Veronika and found out what place sport has in her life, what helped her achieve her goals and how she keeps in shape.

– How did you become interested in karate and why did you decide to connect your life with this sport?

– One day I learned about karate and incredibly wanted to try myself. As soon as I started practicing, I couldn’t stop. I loved the combination of art, passion and emotion in this sport. I had never felt so good at anything else. Thanks to karate, I became strong physically and mentally.

– “14-time world champion” sounds incredible to people who are unfamiliar with the world of karate and its competitive system. Tell us how did you reach that number?

– In karate you can win several titles in a year. The thing is that there are different categories in which you can compete. Some of my wins are: traditional kobudo, free form, extreme form with and without weapons.

– What was your most memorable win?

– My first world championship medal. I knew I had given it my best and I deserved it. I’ll never forget that feeling.

– In an interview you mentioned that you were treated badly by teachers at school. How did that affect you and what helped you to pursue your goals without giving up?

– As a kid, it’s especially hard to understand why people behave that way towards you. Of course, it affects the perception of the world and the formation of personality, but it is important to continue to think optimistically and always believe in yourself, despite the words of those around you.

– You are not involved in sports professionally now. What made you interrupt your career?

– For several years I coached children in my native country, but due to an injury I had to finish both professional sports and teaching. One day I was knocked out from the back and showered with punches as I fell to the floor. My neck was injured, my whole body ached, and I was unable to resume training for a long time. I had to work on recovery with special exercises. A few years later, I moved to Miami and continued practicing fitness for myself.

– Why is sport important?

– I can’t imagine my life without sports. Not only does it keep my body fit and make me stronger physically, but it also helps with mental health. I still love karate, but I also love training with heavy weights.

– What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your athletic career?

– Every loss adds strength to your journey towards your goal.

– In social networks you are always in sports shape. What do you like to do in your free time from training?

– I spend my free time with my boyfriend Simon and our favorite dog – a French bulldog named Jaska. I don’t care where I am, as long as I have these two with me.

– How do you keep yourself in shape now?

– My secret is very simple: don’t try to exhaust yourself with diets, just change your lifestyle – eat balanced meals and don’t forget about movement.

– Your life motto?

– Don’t listen to negative people. Just stay strong and make your dreams come true.