Beograd press – Belgrade, Serbia

Quietly and resolutely working her way through the swimming ranks, Higl’s combination of hard work and talent soon began to show signs of an athletic gem. Her first noticeable result came at this summer’s 25th University Games in Belgrade, when Higl won two silver medals and paved her way to glory. Then came the World Championships in Rome. The shy dark horse emerged from the status of a sideshow in the 200m breaststroke final and clinched the gold.
- “The gold medal at the World Championships in Rome is a tremendous success, one I was surprised by myself. However, that was the best possible confirmation that hard work does pay off, sometimes when it’s least expected. There is no doubt this has been my finest year of all,” says Nadja.
Nadja’s talent, perseverance and merit were validated at the very next competition, when she won another gold in the 200m breaststroke event, at the World Cup in Durban.
Only weeks afterwards, she took part in a similar competition, this time in Stockholm, with the same outcome for Nadja. The run of flawless performances and results in the swimming pool promoted Higl into an instant sporting great in Serbia.The 22-year-old’s next challenge came at the European Short Course Championships in Istanbul. The nation’s heroine once again delivered, winning a silver to wrap up a dream season of swimming competitions.
- “The thing I am preoccupied with now is to improve on my personal best results, without putting excess pressure on myself to have to win medals at all cost. If first and second places don’t come and I improve on my times, I will be pleased,” says Higl.

source:www.blic.rs