Hernefes: Dear Joy, could you first introduce yourself for our readers?
Joy: I’m 11 years old. I’m studying at Pierre Loti. I love skiing. I have a dog, Grace. And I love spending time with him.
Hernefes: This year, you ranked fourth in Turkey in the U12 girls group in the Turkish Ski Championship organized by the Turkish Ski Federation. And you competed against older people. First of all, we congratulate you and wish you continued success. Can you tell us a little bit about this experience?
Joy: I’m so happy. It’s a very nice feeling to work hard, to persevere, to put in the effort and reap the rewards.
Hernefes How is this success, determination and happiness reflected in other areas of your life?
Joy: I am learning to be more disciplined in my life. I can continue my studies at school even though I am skiing.
Description: Skiing is one of the sports practiced in nature. What can you tell us about extreme sports?
Joy: I feel that I am part of the mountains, part of nature, one with everything I see around me. This gives me strength, ambition, courage.
Hernefes: Why ski? How did you start this sport? How does your family accompany you on this journey?
Joy: I wanted it very much and my family supported me. In fact, apart from skiing, I also do gymnastics, play tennis and swim. But none of these sports give me the enthusiasm that skiing does. I like being in nature, in the open air.
Hernefes: Can you tell us a little bit about your pre-race processes and emotions?
Joy: Before the race I get ambitious, I get excited, sometimes I can’t sleep at night. I pray, it helps me a lot.
Breath: And afterwards?
Joy: I am very happy with the results. I am thankful for that.
Hernefes: We hear about the rituals of athletes, of artists, that they consider auspicious and from which they draw strength. Do you have such rituals before or after the race?
Joy: As I said, praying, talking to God is good for me, it relaxes me. Also, my teachers make me feel very comfortable and ambitious.
Hernefes: What does an athlete look like to you?
Joy: A systematic and disciplined person who is open to learning and always tries to improve herself/himself, who cares about teamwork.
Hernefes: How would you define success?
Joy: The happiness and peace of mind that comes from achieving a goal.
Hernefes: What does practicing sports in a disciplined way bring to your life?
Joy: I was very happy and encouraged to see that I was successful. I learned perseverance and not to give up. I fell in training and in some old races, but I didn’t give up, I skated again. I saw that those who work hard and labor will be rewarded.
Hernefes: Are there times when you want to give up, to quit?
Joy: Yes, it has been a long time. But my will to succeed kept me from quitting.
Hernefes: Do you have any advice for people who want to do sports, who are younger like you, or who are older than you but don’t dare?
Joy: They have to start somewhere, let them start. With tiny little steps, they will see how much they develop over time. They must not give up and keep going. They will feel stronger.
Hernefes: Can you share your dreams for the future with us?
Joy: To be successful both in school and in my sports life, and of course for all of us to live in a peaceful and just world.
