When her Physical Education teacher suggested Nansi Haxhiu to join a sport, the then 10-year-old girl saw it as a \u2018long shot\u2019. 5 years later, she is the only champion of the hammer throw sport in Albania.<\/p>\n
The 15-year-old student, who is currently enrolled in \u2018Ismail Qemali\u2019 high school in Tirana stated for Euronews Albania that she is happy with her achievements in her athletic career to date, adding that it would have all been impossible, without the support of her family and friends.<\/p>\n
In any case, authorities aren\u2019t playing their part in order to preserve this endangered tradition in our country. The lack of training conditions and financial assistance has drawn athletes away from this discipline.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have changing rooms, we don\u2019t have showers, there\u2019s not even any financial assistance, there\u2019s no equipment. I\u2019ve paid for everything with my own money. The only thing that drives us is our passion,\u201d says Haxhiu.<\/p>\n
These challenges aren\u2019t new for other Albanian athletes as well, who have more experience and medals.<\/p>\n
Klodiana Shala, a renowned athletic champion sees sports in Albania as an obstacle course.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy own experience with sports has led me to have to sacrifice, because of the very harsh conditions. I hope they can change and gradually get better so that we can train with our hearts,\u201d said athlete, Klodiana Shala.<\/p>\n
Champions not only in sports, but also in preserving their optimism and focus, Haxhiu and Shala see ahead of them a future filled with hope, for those that don\u2019t give up on exercising their passion.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that my results will be high and why not, at one point, I hope to represent Albania in the international arena,\u201d stated the 15-year-old, Nansi Haxhiu.<\/p>\n
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