The Journey from Athlete to Psychologist: Discovery, Setback, and a New Mission​

As a young athlete, the dream is always to reach the top of your sport - a passionate and uncompromising goal.

​

My journey began at the age of seven when I first discovered table tennis. From the moment I picked up the racket, I was captivated by the game. This was quickly followed by serious dedication: intense training sessions, training camps, national team gatherings, and competition trips both in Estonia and abroad. I was very lucky to work with a coach who believed in me and managed to motivate me to give 100%, even on days when I didn't want to.

​

From Emotion to Execution: Discovering Psychology​

However, in my younger years, I was naturally very emotional, and this began to hinder my performance. I couldn't focus, and every lost point filled me with rage. Following my coach’s recommendation, I sought help from a sports psychologist.

​

As a young athlete, I was extremely sceptical and didn't believe that talking to a stranger could help me in any way. Just a few sessions later, I went to compete at the Helsinki Open in Finland. Throughout the entire weekend, even in the most stressful situations, I managed to maintain an unprecedented calm. This was a turning point: I was able to control my emotions, and because of that, I kept winning matches. I eventually lost and had to settle for third place, but this bronze medal for mental performance felt like gold to me. I carried that lesson and experience forward into my daily life.

​

The Hardest Decision: Identity Crisis and a New Path​

Unfortunately, my dream of an athletic career ended due to a doctor's diagnosis: diseased knees. After doctors strongly advised me to quit sports, I persisted for another half a year, trying to prove that I could still play and compete. This only led to immense suffering, and I finally made the hardest decision of my life: to leave professional sports behind.

​

Since my primary identity had been "athlete" from a very early age, the difficult decision was followed by an even harder period. I searched for answers to the questions: Who am I outside of sports, and what do I want from life? It felt like the only thing I truly wanted to do had been snatched away from me in an instant.

​

The Mission: (Sport) Psychology​

About half a year later, during my final year of high school and as university application deadlines approached, I remembered the most positive turning point of my athletic career: the collaboration with the psychologist. I realised that through Sport Psychology, I could remain connected to the world of sports, helping and supporting others on their journey to achieve their goals and maximum potential.

​

Although Sport Psychology was not widely known in Estonia at that time, nor offered as a standalone major in local universities, I made a plan: I decided to obtain a BA in Psychology in Estonia and then pursue an MSc abroad. Luckily, that is exactly what happened. The further I progressed in my studies, the clearer it became that this was my true path. While I had to give up being an athlete, life, it turned out, had other plans, and I found just as much joy and passion in supporting others.

​

Today, I hold a master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology, and I utilise this knowledge extensively. I have found that my mission is to help people achieve their fullest potential, not just in sports, but also in everyday life. Therefore, I have also enhanced my expertise in multiple areas other than sports psychology to offer the best support to athletes and non-athletes.