Eteri Tutberidze: “Girls tend to see short-term objectives: ‘If I push myself for a year or a year and a half, I’ll become a star.’ Boys, however, don’t operate that way. The motivation of ‘a better life’ doesn’t work as effectively with them.”

Eteri Tutberidze believes professional sports can enrich childhood

original source: Sports

In an interview with Editorial Opinion, Eteri Tutberidze shared her views on the impact of professional sports on young athletes’ childhoods, discussing motivation, goals, and how the world of competitive sports shapes a unique form of growing up. Here are a translation.

“Q: When does a child develop the desire to strive for goals or achieve victory?

Eteri Tutberidze: It varies for everyone. With girls, it generally happens faster and easier. They tend to see short-term objectives: ‘If I push myself for a year or a year and a half, I’ll become a star.’ Boys, however, don’t operate that way. The motivation of ‘a better life’ doesn’t work as effectively with them.

Q: How do you feel about the phrase ‘sports steals childhood?

Eteri Tutberidze: I think sports, in their own way, can embellish childhood. Every childhood looks different – some kids spend time playing with friends in the yard, while others are at training camps and competitions. Sports open up an entirely different world. Starting as early as 10 years old, some become well-known – even within their niche – and are talked about in the media.

By the age of 13 or 14, some athletes are already competing internationally – a tremendous experience that many never encounter, even as adults. They travel to competitions, participate in projects, and the girls get beautiful costumes made for them. They’re given a chance to showcase the results of their work to the world. That, too, is childhood – just a unique and special one.”

Related topics: Eteri Tutberidze