My name is Nika Kukuljan Frleta, I am 19 years old, I come from Rijeka, and I have been practicing artistic gymnastics since early childhood. I have had the honor of representing Croatia at the European Championships, the World Championships, and World Cups. For me, sport has never been just an activity – it is part of my identity, my way of thinking, and my character. It has taught me discipline, responsibility, courage, and belief in my own abilities.
Alongside my sporting career, I have always known that I wanted to build an academic path as well. Today, I am a student at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, where I study Economics and Management in English. I believe that true success means finding a balance between sport and education.
Moving from Rijeka to Zagreb was a major turning point in my life. A new city, a new gym, a new university – everything was different. At first, it wasn’t easy. The feeling of responsibility, independence, and uncertainty was strong. But this change is exactly what shaped me. It taught me to trust myself even more and to take full responsibility for my own path.
In moments like these, having a support system is especially important, as well as people who stand behind you. My family is my greatest strength and support in every challenge, while my friends are there to share both the difficult and the beautiful moments. Their support gives me extra confidence to keep moving forward.
Economics and management are broad and dynamic fields that open up many opportunities for me. Studying in English further expands my horizons and gives me an international perspective. What I like most is that through my studies I can explore different areas – from finance and marketing to entrepreneurship and project management – and gradually discover what I want to pursue after graduation.
This breadth gives me a sense of security. I don’t need to have all the answers right away, but I know that I am building strong foundations for the future.
One of my major sporting goals is to compete at the Universiade. For me, this competition represents the combination of two important roles in my life – being both an athlete and a student. Participating in such an event would mean representing not only my country, but also my university, and showing that it is possible to successfully build both a sporting and an academic career at the same time.
I want to continue progressing in gymnastics while also building the knowledge and skills that will provide me with a stable future beyond sport.
Balancing sport and studies is not easy. There are days when I have classes both in the morning and in the afternoon, and in between I have to find the time and energy for training sessions that last for hours. There are moments of fatigue and doubt, but sport has taught me that discipline and perseverance are stronger than obstacles.
I believe that the combination of high-level sport and quality education creates a stable and secure future. Gymnastics teaches me perseverance every day, while my studies give me the knowledge and perspective I need for life and a career beyond sport.
And that is why I know that, as long as I have the support of those closest to me, the discipline I have built through sport, and faith in myself, I can succeed in both fields.
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