The 23-year old Estonian is not close to retirement, but she has already thought about the future.
It is normal to see players retire after the Olympics Games. This also goes for young players who do not find motivation to make the nessecary sacrifices. Estonian Kristin Kuuba knows about these sacrifices, but she has no plan to retire anytime soon.
- I have never thought about quitting. I am happy as a badminton player and I am sure that I have made a right choice, Kuuba stated.
Not all fun travelling
Travelling around Europe to play tournament week in and week out she knows that she is not living the life as many other 23-years old.
- Being a badminton players means a lot of travelling and strict rules. I have missed a lot of events with my friends and family and travelling alone from week to week is not easy, Kuuba said.
- Most of the months I am more time away from home than I can be at home. People think that it is so fun to travel in different places and countries, but they do not know that most of the time I can see only the hotel and sports hall. I believe that this is the hardest part of badminton players life, but it is also important to remember, that there are still more positive emotions.
Future coach?
One day Kuuba will retire from the international badminton stage, and when the time comes she is ready to share her knowledge from a long life in the sport.
- As I am currently studying physical education and sports at University then I am quite sure that you will be seeing me in the sports, she stated.
- I can be either P.E teacher or badminton coach. As I will get a lot of experience through my career then I happily share it with younger players in the future.