For the first time Athletes’ Forum was organized in the office premises of the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK). Therefore, in a cozy and friendly atmosphere, the lecturers mentioned above shared their experiences and professional stories in order to educate athletes on four current topics. Jānis Kaupe, LOV’s sports doctor, who works with athletes on a daily basis, shared stories about the profile of athletes, in which he highlighted the crucial importance of small things – corset muscle training, warm-up, quality of sleep and regularity of training. Toms Prāmnieks, sports journalist and commentator, shared information about the nature of the media, the importance of interviews and communications in the sports industry. Žanis Peiners, a former basketball player and currently an entrepreneur working in the field of finance, shared his experience and beliefs during his sports career and the newly acquired experience in successfully managing his finances and making investments. LOV sports psychologist Lāsma Lapiņa shared information about challenges and solutions in elite-level sports from the emotional, behavioral and psychological aspects.
Athletes’ Forum 2024 in the first part, participants could spend a day Buddhas at the venue, enjoying the hospitality of Olympian Paula Pujatas and participating in the arranged meditation practices. The day started with PickAqua water master class, which highlighted the importance of water, its composition and effects on the body, especially during physical exertion. Everyone had a chance to taste the special Buddas bowlfollowed by a cacao ceremony and an unforgettable sound therapy session. For a pleasant relaxation, you could look for answers in the tarot cards and treat yourself to a vegan tart at the end. The event was also an opportunity to get acquainted Rudy’s Kombucha drinks and a gift of quality water from PickAqua.
Live broadcast of lectures – Latvian Olympic Committee YouTube account.
What are the key factors that contribute to an athlete’s success according to Jānis Kaupe?
Interviewer: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jānis Kaupe, the esteemed sports doctor from LOV, with us. Jānis, thank you for joining us.
Jānis Kaupe: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: You recently participated in the first-ever Athletes’ Forum organized by the Latvian Olympic Committee. How was that experience for you?
Jānis Kaupe: It was fantastic! The atmosphere was very welcoming, and it provided a unique opportunity for athletes to engage with experts. We covered a range of important topics that can greatly benefit athletes in their training and overall health.
Interviewer: You mentioned discussing the ‘profile of athletes.’ What key factors did you emphasize during your talk?
Jānis Kaupe: One of the main themes was the significance of those often-overlooked details that contribute to an athlete’s success. Things like proper warm-up routines, muscle training focused on the corset muscles, ensuring high-quality sleep, and maintaining regularity in training can make a substantial difference.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly insightful! Could you explain why the quality of sleep is particularly critical for athletes?
Jānis Kaupe: Absolutely. Sleep plays a vital role in an athlete’s recovery and performance. During sleep, the body undergoes essential repair processes, consolidates memories, and clears out toxins from the brain. Insufficient sleep can lead to decreased performance, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of injuries.
Interviewer: You’ve emphasized the importance of ‘small things.’ Can you share a practical tip for athletes looking to improve their routines?
Jānis Kaupe: Certainly! One practical tip would be to establish a consistent bedtime and wake time, regardless of the day. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, optimizing the quality of your sleep. Additionally, incorporating short warm-up exercises before training or competition—not just going straight into the activity—can significantly prepare the body and reduce injury risks.
Interviewer: Those tips are incredibly valuable! Now, Toms Prāmnieks, the sports journalist, also participated in the forum. What insights did he provide regarding the importance of media for athletes?
Jānis Kaupe: Toms highlighted how crucial it is for athletes to develop a relationship with the media and understand their role in building an athlete’s brand. He emphasized communication skills and managing public perception, which can play a significant role in an athlete’s career longevity and success beyond sports.
Interviewer: That’s a great angle! Building a brand is essential in today’s sports culture. What do you think are the next steps for forums like this?
Jānis Kaupe: I believe continuing to create platforms where athletes can learn, share experiences, and connect with experts will be essential. It would also be beneficial to include workshops focused on practical skills like injury prevention and mental health, which are equally important for athletic performance.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jānis! Your insights into athlete development and health are truly inspiring. We look forward to more initiatives like this in the future.
Jānis Kaupe: Thank you! I’m excited too and hope that athletes take these lessons to heart for their overall well-being.
Interviewer: This has been a wonderful discussion. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news! Until next time!