Today, on March 20, Maria Smanzer, a student of the Sports and Technical Faculty, studying in the specialty “technical support and operation of sports facilities and equipment", became the heroine of the column "BNTU – the choice of the best".Despite the fact that the girl is a first-year student, she has already reached great heights in sports, had fulfilled the standard for the title of master of sports of international class in diving.
– What did you want to be as a child?
– As a child, I wanted to become an inventor-designer. I really enjoyed creating and making. I loved to take apart the structures to see what was inside. It was very cool.
As a child Maria decided not only on her future profession, but also on her favorite thing: she went swimming after her older brother. The girl was 6 years old when she came to cheer for her brother at the competition, she approached her mother and said: "I want it too!" From that moment, Maria's path to sports began.
– Why did you choose the Belarusian National Technical University?
– There is an excellent sports facility, in particular a swimming pool in BNTU. All conditions have been created here for combining study and sports activities and this was an important factor for me when I chose a university. As I said, I liked everything related to technology, so BNTU became the best option for me.
Maria also said that there are many sports sections in BNTU. Professional coaches work there, they will help prepare for the main student start – the Universiade, they hold various competitions, where everyone has a chance to prove themselves. For example, the girl entered the university and then enrolled in the swimming section. Among other starts, she is preparing for her first Republican Universiade.
Maria fulfilled the standard, upon reaching which she was awarded the title of master of sports of international class at the Fin Swimming World Cup in Hungary in 2022. The girl shared that she had come a long way to do this.
– I would like to say thank you to my mum, who has always supported me. It was thanks to her that I got into diving. Of course, I would like to say special thank you to all my coaches, who were with me at the beginning of my sporting career and who are with me today.
– What is the most memorable part of the competition?
– In fact, many things take your breath away. Especially I like the feeling when I get to the start. At this moment everything around seems to freeze. I remember the moments of overcoming the distance when my strength is already at the limit and my brain screams "I can't!" Then the will gathers into a fist to give its best.
– To achieve such success in sports, you need to be at least very dedicated. Please share how to keep motivated on the way to the goal.
– I believe that motivation is just a push to take the first steps and then discipline decides. You need to love what you do and just enjoy what you do day in and day out.
We thank Maria for the interview and wish her success in further sports and educational activities.
