Interview

Hello Elena, it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with you! You have played a pivotal role behind the scenes of numerous remarkable sports events, whether at the governmental or non-governmental level, overseeing their organization with your meticulous attention to detail. You are widely recognized as an active, determined individual who relentlessly pursues goals while staying grounded and practical. Your wellspring of breathtaking ideas and boundless creativity never fails to inspire those around you.

Beyond your professional prowess, you possess a gentle soul and a positive outlook, with a remarkable ability to lighten the mood during challenging times. Working alongside you has always been a delight thanks to these endearing characteristics and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Despite your pragmatic nature, you often describe yourself as a dreamer, unafraid to reach for the stars and envision grand possibilities. While some may perceive this as merely building castles in the air, I see it as a testament to your visionary spirit and willingness to explore uncharted territories.

1. My first question naturally is - who is Elena Malíková? How would you describe yourself?

Your introduction and question are indeed thought-provoking, and I am delighted to reflect on my lifelong connection to modern pentathlon. While my active participation in modern pentathlon may belong to the past, the impact of this captivating sport continues to resonate deeply within me. Reflecting on your question, I recognize that modern pentathlon has played a role in shaping my identity. It has instilled within me the spirit of a dreamer, encouraging me to pursue ambitious aspirations with tenacity and courage. Moreover, it has fostered a sense of adaptability and versatility, equipping me with the skills to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.

In essence, modern pentathlon has become an integral part of my identity, shaping me into the person I am today - a dreamer, a versatile individual, and a steadfast believer in the power of discipline and determination.

2. What significance does sport have in your life? What does sport mean to you?

Sport is my life, my love. My father introduced me to it and from the outset, I explored a wide array of physical activities, including swimming, skiing, skating, and hiking. While success in sports initially seemed distant and unimportant, it gradually became a defining pursuit through years of dedicated training.

The journey toward sporting achievements was a gradual one, marked by daily practice sessions that gradually became an indispensable part of my routine. Through this process, I learned the invaluable lesson that with patience and professional guidance, almost any skill can be mastered. This principle, honed through countless hours of training, not only fuelled my athletic accomplishments but also proved instrumental in navigating professional challenges and endeavours.

3. You are the face of this publication for the area of DIPLOMACY. Is there a connection between sport and diplomacy?

Certainly, the intersection of sport and diplomacy became clear to me only later in my career. I discovered that sports serve as a powerful platform for fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among nations, transcending political, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Through sports, diplomatic relations are strengthened, contributing to peace, development, and mutual respect on a global scale.

Moreover, I had a unique opportunity to address this topic at the EU level during my tenure as the Chair of the Council Working Party on Sport in 2016. Leading the EU Member States to consensus on the conception of sports diplomacy at the EU level was the most significant professional experience of my career thus far. I take great pride in our collective efforts, culminating in the adoption of the Council Conclusions on Sport Diplomacy during the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the EU. I believe that this document remains highly relevant today and recommend it to anyone interested in sports diplomacy.

4. In your view, where does inclusion through sports lie?

Building upon my previous reflections, I am steadfast in my belief in the profound and transformative potential of sports to promote inclusivity. One poignant example of this is evident in my weekly Sunday morning running sessions with friends from diverse backgrounds. Through these gatherings, I have come to realize that sports go beyond mere camaraderie, acting as a catalyst for forging meaningful connections and fostering understanding among individuals of varying origins.

Furthermore, through our collective efforts in numerous international projects centered around social inclusion through sport, we have experienced first-hand the dissolution of barriers related to age, race, ethnicity, and ability. In these endeavours, we have witnessed how sports provide a common ground where all participants are united by a shared passion and purpose.

5. Could you share which sports values resonate with you the most, and how has sports influenced you personally?

The values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience ingrained in sports have indelibly influenced my character and perspective on life. Sports have imparted upon me the significance of perseverance and adaptability, qualities that have proven indispensable in navigating both personal and professional challenges.

However, the ethos that resonates most deeply with me is the concept of "embracing the joy of effort." This principle has been integral to my life philosophy since my teenage years and continues to be a guiding force in all my endeavours. It serves as a perpetual wellspring of inspiration, propelling me forward in my daily pursuits.

6. Do you still have any sporting challenges?

Yes, I do, although with age, I have let go of many and even completely abandoned some of them. I probably will never skydive or try paragliding, which tempted me for many years. I have not gathered the courage for it yet, and with age, I probably never will. Nevertheless, I still find immense pleasure in running and occasionally join various races, which continue to bring me joy and satisfaction. Lately, swimming, cycling, and hiking have also found a place in my routine. I approach these activities with moderation, guided by a personal system and inner voice that prioritizes their benefits in supporting my journey of 'aging gracefully'.

In any case, I consistently find immense pleasure in standing atop the podium in running races within my age category, spanning not just national but international events as well. I hold deep gratitude towards the remarkable achievements of my fellow competitors, as their presence serves as a motivating force that enhances our collective enjoyment in these races.

7. Is there anything we have not asked you about that you would like to share with us in this interview?

Indeed, during this interview, a memory resurfaced that I am grateful to share. My former horse-riding coach always emphasized the importance of keeping one's chin up, heels down, and a smile on the face while riding. He believed this was crucial for progress and quality performance. As a teenager, I did not fully grasp the significance of the smile. Finally, it was not until later that I realized the uplift it brings, often aiding in perseverance and progress during tough times. Over the years, I have come to see how integral a smile is in my everyday life. As 'SMILE' is in the title of this publication, I am thankful for the chance to contribute. Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts. It has been a pleasure conversing with you.