Namita Nayyar:
What has been the toughest match of your career so far, and what did you learn from it?
Katja Stam:
My toughest match ever was the round of 16 game at the Olympics in Paris this summer. We were 3 points away from winning the game in the second set and because of not being mentally strong enough we’ve lost it. Before the Olympics I thought I was mentally prepared for everything that comes at an Olympic games.
I knew it would be different from Tokyo where it was really quiet because of all the COVID rules but still I thought I discussed everything with my performance coach and my team. But it wasn’t good enough. I’ve really learned that I need to tell my team everything that can influence my performance.
So every insecurity, every irritation. And most important at the Olympics itself. I didn’t want to feel weak; I didn’t want to have a lot of discussions. I just wanted to play beach volleyball. But that is not enough to be the best in the world.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you handle setbacks, such as injuries or losses, and what keeps you motivated?
Katja Stam:
First of all I really love the sport. So even if I lose or if there is a day that I don’t feel so motivated I know in my heart that I still have a lot of passion for beach volleyball. Secondly I always have goals in mind. I know what I want and how I want to get there. For the rest I also have a lot of friends and family around me who support me in the good and the bad times and I can tell them everything. On the bad days they give me inspiration, motivation and positivity which keep me on track to my new goals.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you think are the qualities that make a successful beach volleyball player?
Katja Stam:
I think it’s a summary of everything above. When you’re starting your career as a young athlete, be focused on training all the techniques and get as strong as possible in the all-round way to jump and move in the sand the best as possible for you. When you’re getting more experienced, be aware of your body, stay fit and make your recovery important with nutrition, self-care and the use of a team of experts like physiotherapists.
And I think the most important part which is the difference between the good and the best players in the world is not how strong they are or how good they can play beach volleyball. In my opinion the best players have the best mental game. They make decisions at the right moment, know how to handle the pressure and can be vulnerable as well.
I think this is really hard and especially in the case of beach volleyball in a team of two without any reserve players you can’t hide yourself and you really need to know everything about each other to complement each other on the court under the highest pressure.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you have any advice for young athletes who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Katja Stam:
Know that not every day will be good but remember yourself everyday why you are doing what you’re doing. Make dreams, big goals but also really really small goals. There will be something good every day.
Katja Stam Social Media Presence
Instagram: www.instagram.com/katjastam/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katja.stam.9
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
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