Winner

ANGELINA TOPIĆ, SERBIAN HIGH JUMPER AND BEST EUROPEAN YOUNG ATHLETE FOR 2022
Highflyer
At the age of only seventeen, she broke the senior record from 1988 and became the best Serbian woman’s high jumper. She evened the best world result in young junior category. In Jerusalem, in her category, she won European gold. And she won bronze medal at the senior European Championship in Munich, as the youngest contestant. All that in three turbulent months last summer. European Olympic Committees elected her in September as best young female athlete of the old continent. She is daughter of Dragutin Topić, record holder in high jump, and Biljana Topić, record holder in triple jump. She will be in junior category for another two years, and her ascension is actually just beginning

By: Dejan Bulajić
Photo: atlex.rs

She sparkled in the moment almost no one had expected it. Not because anyone doubted her, but because it was considered that it was still early for senior achievements. Anyhow, Angelina herself has a similar impression.
– Believe me, I am still sorting out my feelings. I couldn’t even dream about what had happened. In the past half year, my life was developing so quickly that I haven’t had time to stop and think about my achievements. They came in series, so I couldn’t stop and enjoy everything that was happening. The Championship in Munich was certainly the crown of the season, but I admit – it was entirely unplanned, because I had already accomplished all my objectives at the European and World junior championships.

With your results, but also your posture and the way you approach competitions, you showed that you are worth of the high jump elite…
I am glad that such an impression prevails among those who watched my performances in Munich. Good preparations and very serious trainings, as well as relinquishing things which are unimportant for sports contributed to it. It confirmed my concentration and reinforced my self-confidence. That is how I came to the point that older and undoubtedly more experienced competitors began thinking about me as an equal rival.

The fact that you appeared on the elite stage at the age of only seventeen did not impose too much of a burden to you?
It seems like that when you watch from aside. The pressure is, however, enormous and I admit that sometimes it is difficult to cope with it. Luckily, I have dear people by my side, who, without hesitation, help me survive all crises. In competitions, I try to think first about myself, not about my opponents. The peace gained within us is the result of trainings, carefully cherished concentration.

Did you ever think that your first step on the senior stage could be awarded with a medal?
I didn’t allow myself to go so far in my thoughts, so that I wouldn’t put too much burden on myself. However… I hoped that something like that could happen. Dreaming about success is as sportsmanlike as realizing it in a competition.

IT ALL DEPENDS ON US

During the past years, how aware were you of your talent and when did your boldest expectations begin waking up?
Of course, I was aware of my talent, but thanks to people in my surrounding, I didn’t get too carried away. I worked hard and tried to upgrade my talent. While thinking about it, there is a risk that could put you to sleep, and I don’t want to waste time. My results show that it is the right approach. Everything is simply taking its course. I am training hard, I have the best coaching staff, and that all gives me the chance to accomplish feats.

You have the privilege to grow up in a family of sports champions. Your parents have surely taught you how to become a winner?
It is clear that none of this would have happened without them. They are my biggest support, role model and incentive. Before all, because they are wonderful parents, who know how to reach sports tops, but also know how to create a stable family. That is crucial for successful maturing of children. Besides, dad is one of the best coaches in the world, not because I think so, but because such an opinion about him is predominant among international professional public. With such parents, I managed to put things in the right place, and this should now be used for supreme results.

You are living in a time in which young generations are mostly focused on superficial entertainment. How difficult is it to escape such mediocre?
It is no wonder for me, since I am also part of that generation, which I don’t want to differ too much from. I understand many things imposed by contemporary times. It’s up to us what and how much we’ll accept. There is enough time for various things, we should just set priorities and fight for them.

Sacrifices required for bold goals are not a common feature today. You are obviously ready to fight for your goals with all your strength?
Without any doubt. I love sports and enjoy it. I’m convinced that I’m on the way to achieving good results in it. However, it’s not the only road sign in my life, because I would like to achieve my academic goals as well. My plans are very vivid, and I’m ready to invest huge efforts and time to achieve them.

WITHOUT FOULS

Professional sport is very strict. Did it, as such, take something away from you during your school days, growing up, in friendships?
I couldn’t say that it took something away from me, because it was the choice I made. It’s a bit difficult because you have to reconcile all obligations, and I don’t want to neglect any of them, whether it’s school, family, friends or sports. The thing I miss is time to reconcile all wishes and needs.

Are there ever moments of tiredness when you would like to take a break?
Certainly. But the tiredness is more mental, due to the pressure which is always present in top sports. In such moments, I ask for advice and my professional team finds the right solution. Being without burden on mental level means a lot to me.

You are at the beginning of your career. What are your plans and wishes?
I don’t want to speed up anything. I am aware that I will be in junior competition for another two years and my biggest expectations are related to that competition. If I get a chance to achieve something more, it will be pure bonus. I won’t allow the achievement in Munich disturb the order that should be ultimately respected in my career. It is the way I want to mature and impose myself in elite competition.

What would you like to experience together with athletics?
What sports itself includes – travels, discovering the distant and unknown, meeting different cultures. I am convinced that it will enrich me and offer an incredible experience.

Are there any other fields that attract you?
I love to learn. I know I might sound like a nerd, but I really do. Challenges of education have always attracted me, I see myself in it. I’d like to try to gain academic education and be successful in it.

Will everything you have achieved up to now, especially the medal from Munich, influence any changes in your life rhythms?
No. The established rhythm offers me a chance to realize myself completely in what is most important, and that is sport, but also in some other interests in life. I believe that’s particularly important. It makes me focused and satisfied.

Are you aware how much the public in Serbia follows sports and how much it relates to sports idols?
I admit that I’m not really good in such things. I am not entirely ready for everything sports successes bring. It’s comfortable, but it also scares me a bit. I need some time to get used to it.

A message you would send to people your age?
Enjoy everything that makes you happy!

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Series of Victories
Angelina Topić (Belgrade, 2005) shone in full splendor in this year of 2022. She returned from all competitions with excellent results. At the beginning of June in Athens, she became Serbian record holder with 1,95 meters, breaking by one centimeter the record Amra Temim held since 1988. At the end of June, she jumped a centimeter higher in Kruševac, thereby evening the best world result ever for young junior age. In July, at the European Championship for young juniors in Jerusalem, she won gold medal. At the World Championship for juniors in Kali, she won bronze medal; same at the senior European championship in Munich.

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Champions Family
Angelina has a perfect family pedigree for supreme results. Her father and coach is Dragutin Topić, one of the most successful Serbian athletes of all times. He set the state record in high jump in 1993, with 2,38 meters and holds a high place on the list of the most successful world high jumpers. Angelina’s mother Biljana was also a supreme athlete. At the world championship in 2009, she made a 14,52 meters triple jump, which still makes her state record holder.