In the annals of modern sports, Nelly Korda has emerged as a beacon of excellence and resilience. Her journey is marked by remarkable achievements, including clinching the gold medal in women's golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a tournament that was itself a year delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the lack of crowds at the Tokyo Games, Korda managed to bring her A-game, showcasing her indomitable spirit.
The Olympic Spirit
"But being here on this stage has been such an amazing experience. Just there's nothing like representing your country, too, so getting to do that on the Olympic stage is a dream come true," Korda has often expressed about her Olympic journey. The Tokyo Games might have lacked the roaring fans, but the current Olympics in Paris have been a different experience altogether, with a full congregation of fans cheering athletes on.
A Family of Athletes
Sporting prowess runs in Korda's family. Her mother, Regina, competed in the 1988 Olympics as a tennis player, while her father, Petr, is a celebrated Australian Open tennis champion. Her brother, Sebastian, is carving out his professional tennis career, reinforcing the Korda family’s sporting legacy. "We watched it a lot, every two years, even the winter Olympics; that's something we all did as a family. We sat in front of the TV and watched everyone compete and live out their dreams," Korda reminisces about her family's Olympic tradition.
On Dominating the Golf Course
Since her stellar performance in Tokyo, Korda has continued to shine. She has won another major championship and has eight additional wins under her belt, cementing her position as the No. 1 player in the world. Earlier this year, she won five consecutive tournaments, a feat that underscores her dominance in women's golf. However, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. Recently, she missed three of four cuts and finished T26 in another event.
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of golf, Korda notes, "You know, the game of golf is a funny game. Sometimes you feel on top of the world, and in a matter of a couple of seconds, you just feel like you're on the bottom of the sea."
The Role of Coaching
A significant part of Korda's success can be attributed to her meticulous training regimen and the guidance of her coach, Jamie Mulligan. "I took some time off after Evian and kind of put my clubs to the side for a week, and then grinded for two weeks. I have [coach] Jamie [Mulligan] out here with me this week, and he's always really nice to be around and keeps it super light," Korda shares.
Looking Ahead
With her sights set on further accomplishments, Korda remains focused and optimistic. "Hopefully trending in the right direction," she says, almost as a mantra. As a two-time Olympian, she is living out her dream, representing her country, and aiming to continue excelling in her sport. "The men had amazing fans out here. I was wowed by how many people are out here watching and just happy that I'm back in this position. I'm here representing my country. I'm a two-time Olympian and I'm living out my dream," Korda remarks, capturing the essence of her relentless drive and passion for golf.
As golf continues to garner more attention since its reintroduction to the Olympics in 2016, the journey of athletes like Nelly Korda serves as an inspiration. With nine different men and a select few women, like Lydia Ko, carving their names into Olympic history, Korda’s achievements stand out. Despite the pressures and fluctuations in performance, her resilience and talent shine through, promising a future where she continues to inspire and lead.
"It's been three years, and as you said, it's a different country, different venue. Doesn't really feel like I'm defending, really. So I'm just going to go out, enjoy the experience. Hopefully enjoy the fans," Korda concludes, encapsulating her philosophy of embracing each moment and giving her best on the global stage. The world will undoubtedly be watching as Nelly Korda continues to pave her path in the annals of sports history.