Out of roughly 7,000 professional athletes in Slovenia, Lara is the only female professional triathlete and first European athlete to sport the TTL jersey.
When we interviewed Lara, she stood out to us in more ways than one - a studying biochemist, an athlete that in a few years has made a quick rise in the sport, the only middle distance female pro in her country, and a role model for overcoming what might to others seem like domineering odds.
Out of roughly 7,000 professional athletes in Slovenia, Lara is the only female professional mid distance triathlete and our first European athlete to sport the TTL jersey. Even in countries like the US and Canada where triathlon is more popular, the difficulties of finding success and support in the sport can still prove challenging. Imagine a country with a smaller federation, fewer fans and athletes to cheer ya on, and a smaller community to lift you up or keep you motivated; Lara has defied those odds and has held an attitude of eagerness and satisfaction all along the way.
Her first pro season was marked with the adversity of injuries and an accident, along with the overall newness of shifting into the professional field.
"The first pro season (last year) was hard, and I didn't know what to expect."
In 2019 year, Lara tore her ACL, requiring surgery that still impacts her on the run. With asymmetrical differences from the surgery, she focuses with her coach on a balance of volume, technique, and mindful exercises that now have her healthy for the season to come. Staying injury free remains the most important, with the goal of qualifying for World's high on the list of dreams for the season.
Amid it all, and in the months to go before her first race this year, Lara is not only hopeful - but mentally fit and strong.
"For me, I want to be satisfied with what I did on the race day...I didn't expect to get picked, and I'm the only one from Europe. I can spread the TTL vibes here. It's exciting to be a part of the community. I'm excited to have an opportunity to race in the TTL jersey."
This or That:
Long Run or Long Ride - LONG RIDE
Socks sliding down on the run or fogged goggles for the swim - SOCKS SLIDING
Training in the heat or training in the snow - SNOW
Giving up Chocolate or Giving up Coffee - CHOCOLATE ("nutella doesn't count, right?")
Tip for Newbie Triathletes:
"Don't take it too seriously, rather enjoy it!"
Favorite Snacks:
Cheese buns, grapes, chocolate milk and HARIBOS when training.
Comments
Really excited to see a European athlete on the TTL roster, particularly one from a smaller Euro country. I’m an American but work for an Estonian company and travel there often (the tri vibe is STRONG in Estonia), and my daughter is spending six weeks on a mission trip in Bosnia this summer, so I’m really looking forward to following Lara and her progression! (and I’m an ACL’er as well, so I can related to the asymmetrical challenges)
Congrats Lara, fellow Slovenians are cheering for you! 🤘