Angelina Topić: It runs in the family
How this young athlete balances life while reaching new heights
July 12, 2024
As the daughter of two world class athletes, Angelina Topić is determined to create her own path. She strives for new heights in both her career and in her private life. Getting her start in high jump at a very early age, it is no surprise that Angelina has many achievements under her belt. Angelina showed just how good she is when she broke the Serbian indoor record in the high jump in 2023 with a height of 1.94 m (6.36ft). Fortunately, the sky is the limit and she is aiming high! 🏆
What is the hardest thing about being a professional athlete at such a young age?
Angelina: The hardest part about going pro at a young age was learning to manage my time. Three days ago, I was still sitting in school. At first, I really struggled to manage my studies and all the traveling, training, and competing. Sometimes I would be competing and would be thinking about my upcoming test in the back of my mind. I had to learn to switch my mind off and focus on what was in front of me. On top of school and training, I want to spend time with friends and family, which can be tricky at times. Once I switched to a private high school, I became more flexible with my time. Of course, I still had to finish my work, but I was able to do it from a Café or on a flight.
Angelina: The hardest part about going pro at a young age was learning to manage my time. Three days ago, I was still sitting in school. At first, I really struggled to manage my studies and all the traveling, training, and competing. Sometimes I would be competing and would be thinking about my upcoming test in the back of my mind. I had to learn to switch my mind off and focus on what was in front of me. On top of school and training, I want to spend time with friends and family, which can be tricky at times. Once I switched to a private high school, I became more flexible with my time. Of course, I still had to finish my work, but I was able to do it from a Café or on a flight.
You come from a family of world class athletes. How have the experiences and knowledge of your parents helped you in your career?
Angelina: My parents definitely had a big impact on my career. When you have someone who has been in your shoes, you are a step ahead of the others. My parents have been able to answer all of my questions, and if they didn’t know the answer, they knew someone who would. The emotions I feel are heightened, because every win, every loss, every step is shared with my parents. Of course, there are lessons I have to learn by myself, but it is great to have someone to lean on. It is so amazing to be able to share these experiences in both my athletic career and my life in general.
Angelina: My parents definitely had a big impact on my career. When you have someone who has been in your shoes, you are a step ahead of the others. My parents have been able to answer all of my questions, and if they didn’t know the answer, they knew someone who would. The emotions I feel are heightened, because every win, every loss, every step is shared with my parents. Of course, there are lessons I have to learn by myself, but it is great to have someone to lean on. It is so amazing to be able to share these experiences in both my athletic career and my life in general.
What keeps you focused and on track, especially in high pressure situations?
Angelina: I started this sport when I was still very young, and a lot has changed since then. I have always had idols, but now I focus on challenging myself. I am very competitive, which pushes me to be the best that I can be. My focus has moved from impressing others, to impressing myself and continuing to grow. This means that my goals are always changing as I continue to break my own barriers.
Angelina: I started this sport when I was still very young, and a lot has changed since then. I have always had idols, but now I focus on challenging myself. I am very competitive, which pushes me to be the best that I can be. My focus has moved from impressing others, to impressing myself and continuing to grow. This means that my goals are always changing as I continue to break my own barriers.
In this year of sport, the possibilities to achieve greatness are limitless. The PUMA Fam cannot wait to see Angelina soar above the rest and score big in the upcoming months 🏅
Growing Up in the Sport
“I feel like I’m much more happy and more comfortable with myself. When I was younger, I was dealing with the average teenager problems and struggled with figuring out who I am. I really had to take the time to learn about myself, my body and my mind. It’s still a process, but I’m much happier with who I am and have become. I was under a lot of pressure that I mostly put on myself. There were a lot eyes on me and I have been able to find ways to block out all of the outside noise.”
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