Graudiņa: retirement no longer near, and family is no obstacle to sport
Latvian beach volleyball player Tīna Graudiņa says that after two Olympics she considered ending her career, but now sees several productive years still ahead. She also says building a family is no longer incompatible with professional sport in her view.
Latvian beach volleyball player Tīna Graudiņa has revealed that after her second Olympic Games she seriously considered retiring from professional sport. In Tokyo she and her partner finished fourth, while in Paris they placed fifth, and her career achievements also include a European championship title. After reaching these milestones, the athlete found herself questioning what more she could still achieve in the sport.
At that moment, however, Graudiņa realized something simple — she still loves playing beach volleyball. That realization led her to reconsider her path forward in the sport.
Looking ahead
Now 28 years old, the athlete views her career differently. By the time of the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles, she will be 30. Looking at the careers of other medal-winning athletes, Graudiņa increasingly believes that her athletic peak may not be behind her yet.
The athlete also says that her dream of having a family and children no longer seems incompatible with a professional sporting career. She notes there are already examples in world beach volleyball proving that mothers can successfully continue competing at a high level.
The bond with Samoilova
Graudiņa also highlights what has developed over the years between her and her playing partner, Anastasija Samoilova. According to the athlete, the connection and understanding that spectators see between the two players on the court today did not appear on its own, but was built through long-term work together.
