In the latest episode of the Total Waterpolo Podcast, we start off by talking about the new season, in which Greta finds herself with a brand new club, Ferencvaros. After spending so long with her childhood club, Greta reveals why it was time to move on:
“It was a big surprise for me. I didn’t think I would like to leave for a really long time. The last few months have been very emotional for me here. Everything is new. I still need to get used to the new environment. I played there in November for 14 years. I longed for new adventures and challenges. I felt that I could still improve after the Olympics, but that required change.”
Our sport requires a level of determination and willpower that is not often seen in other sports, and according to Gurisatti, mental toughness is pivotal to achieving success:
“The one who can give the best even on a grey Thursday morning decides who will be the best. No cameras. No fans. Just you and your willpower It is not always easy. But if it were easy, everyone would be an Olympic champion.”
In the podcast, Greta talks about what keeps her inspired and motivated. One of those things, is her father:
“He was a four-time Olympic champion in fencing, but twenty-four years ago a diving bottle exploded and he lost his legs below the knee. He didn’t want to stop Sports, so he started shooting. He is a four-time Paralympian, and both of us were in Tokyo. It’s the first time that has happened in more than 100 years. He taught me that it doesn’t matter how bad it is if you believe it and work for it, it’s worth it. Whatever you are doing, be the best, even if it’s grating cheese!”
With a packed schedule ahead, Greta feels it’s vital for players to be able to rest, recuperate, and enjoy a life away from the pool:
“I think it will be a really crazy year for us. Whoever decides about the schedule needs to understand that we are not robots. We are players. We have lives. I’m sure for everybody involved, water polo is the main and most important thing, but you need time because you really are a person and you need to rest. And if you’ve won something, you need to celebrate. If you win something and don’t have time to celebrate, why would you do it? Similarly, if you lose it, you need time to think about what you need to do next time or what your mistakes were.”
Looking towards the future, Greta shares her plans after her water polo career comes to a close:
“I really enjoyed water polo, but I know if I stop, I know the life after will be good too. The sport will always be part of my life. But I don’t want to work there in the future. But we will see later, and really, I want to work on building my brand.”
Listen to this must-hear episode of the Total Waterpolo Podcast and be inspired by Greta Gurisatti’s journey to the top of the water polo world!
All the episodes of the Total Waterpolo Podcast are available on all major Podcast streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Don’t forget to head over to www.wearwaterpolo.com and use our discount code ‘PODCAST10’ for 10% off your next order!
