Don't Forget the Important Things!

Carolina Kluft is back in action. Kluft the worlds top heptathlete, is gracious, elegant, driven and, I would say, downright 'classy'. She is still only 24 but seems to have accomplished so much over the years as a competitor and as a person.

In a recent interview in response to questions about whether or not she could be beaten her response was; "Of course, no one can always win, and I will get beaten some day. But I know that, if I lose, my life will not disappear." Kluft has a firm grip on what makes her tick and this is probably what ensures that she competes at such a high level so consistently.

The effervescent Swede comes across as a realist, but also as someone who has a good perspective on how she wants to live her life and what is important to her. Perhaps this is why she appears to enjoy every moment when she is competing and seems to get on with all the other athletes so well.

When asked about lucky charms she mentioned that she carries a little donkey with her, but avoids attaching too much importance to it as other competitors might do to their lucky charms. She said that if she forgot him it would not bring her bad luck, however she did say that her little donkey is more of a reminder of what sport is about, and not to forget the most important things.

Carolina Kluft is a wonderful competitor to watch, but she also seems like a wonderful person for other up and coming athletes to use as an example of getting the right balance in your life and career to ensure that you remain true to yourself, and most of all so you remember the important things.