Mentality

 

Since childhood, I’ve felt a deep connection to the ocean, especially with my Croatian roots. Veljko Rogosić, a long-distance swimming record-holder in the 70s, was my biggest inspiration, and I dreamed of achieving a similar feat.

Life in Switzerland, family, and work filled my days until my world changed at 44 with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Over six years, I endured 10 surgeries and intensive treatments, including a coma-inducing chemotherapy. Thankfully, I survived and decided to pursue my childhood dream.

With support from Swiss Olympic Centre and Markus Rogan, I trained seriously for one year. On my 50th birthday, I set a record, swimming the 21.7km Viski Channel in Croatia in 5 hours and 23 minutes, becoming the first woman to do so.

Success is more than physical—it’s mental. Dealing with fears, doubts, and motivation in tough conditions is something we all face. As a cancer patient, I’ve learned how to manage immense psychological and physical stress, lessons I continue to live by.