Kosovo Student Balances Elite Gymnastics Training with Coaching and University Studies
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A rising athlete and dedicated student, Ornela Karaliti exemplifies the commitment required to excel in both sport and academia. She navigates a demanding schedule of university coursework, elite gymnastics training, and coaching young athletes, demonstrating a passion for the sport that extends beyond personal achievement.
Ornela Karaliti, a 19-year-old student at the Faculty of Sports Science at the University of Pristina, travels daily from Ferizaj to Pristina to pursue her education. “My name is Ornela Karaliti, I am 19 years old and I study at the Faculty of Sports Science at the University of Pristina. I am in the second year of my bachelor’s degree. I chose this faculty because I have been actively practicing gymnastics for six years,” Karaliti explained.
A Comprehensive Approach to Sports Education
The Faculty of Sports Science offers a broad curriculum encompassing both individual and team sports. Karaliti notes that the program provides a foundational understanding of various athletic disciplines, but her primary focus remains firmly on gymnastics. “This course gives her a general knowledge of individual and team sports, but her focus is on gymnastics,” she stated. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, covering the fundamentals and techniques of gymnastics alongside hands-on training.
Currently in her second year, Karaliti benefits from dedicated gymnastics instruction within the faculty, though training sessions are limited to once a week in the evenings. To supplement this, she engages in individual training and actively contributes to the gymnastics community as an assistant coach at a club in Ferizaj. “At the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport we cover all subjects that have to do with various sports such as athletics, swimming, etc. In the second year of study, gymnastics and swimming are taught as subjects. My focus is on gymnastics. In theory we cover the basics and techniques, which we then practice in training,” Karaliti detailed.
From Athlete to Mentor: Inspiring the Next Generation
Karaliti’s dedication extends beyond her own athletic pursuits. She actively mentors young gymnasts at the Ferizaj club, sharing her expertise and fostering a love for the sport. “In addition to her faculty commitments, Ornela also works as an assistant coach at the gymnastics club in Ferizaj, where she trains young children in this sport,” a source confirmed. She envisions a future deeply rooted in gymnastics, aspiring to become a trainer and impart her knowledge to future generations. “I see my future in becoming a trainer to pass on my knowledge to the next generations,” she affirmed.
Success, according to Karaliti, hinges on unwavering discipline and consistent practice. She emphasizes the unique demands of gymnastics, highlighting the crucial combination of elasticity and strength. “Gymnastics is unique in that it combines elasticity and strength. Sleep is also important for every athlete’s concentration,” she noted. Over the past six years, Karaliti has consistently competed in local competitions throughout Kosovo, earning recognition for her achievements. “I took part in numerous competitions in Kosovo and also won important awards there,” she added.
Faculty Adapts to Declining Enrollment
Besim Halilaj, a professor at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport since 2002, has witnessed the evolution of athletic education in Kosovo. He notes a concerning trend of declining student enrollment in recent years. The Faculty of Sports Science, an integral part of the University of Pristina, offers a four-year bachelor’s degree program, alongside two master’s programs: Master in Sports Education and Master in Sports Coaching.
Gymnastics is a core component of the bachelor’s curriculum, mandated in the second year and offered as an elective – acrobatics – in the third. “Although gymnastics is not as well known to the public as other sports, there is interest in it among the faculty’s students,” Halilaj observed. The faculty provides dedicated training facilities, including a gymnastics hall, to support the development of students in the discipline. “We have a hall for gymnastics training and the faculty offers optimal conditions for the further development of this subject,” Halilaj stated.
For Ornela Karaliti, gymnastics is more than just a sport; it’s a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful future. Her story underscores the dedication, resilience, and passion required to thrive in the world of competitive athletics and sports education.
