Bernadet SZOCS is in Romania in family house with her parents in the city of Targu Mures. Despite being in isolation for one month already she is living under moto that “there is no such thing as day without the sport”.
“I make every day exercises to stay fit. In addition in the garage we have one table and I make small things for keep myself in shape.”
She started to play table tennis when she was six and a half years old.
“I went to tournament with my parents to watch the competition where my brother participated. He won his first medal and trophy and he was very happy. I told my parents that I want to start to play too. From the beginning a lot of coaches said that I am talented and I could be a top player if I work seriously and practice hard.”
She followed the advice ever since.
“I never thought to quit because I love this sport. Table tennis is my life and I can’t live without this sport!”
There is a very little trophies Bernadette had not won in Europe.
“First trophy I won as mini cadet and I was successful in each youth category after that. In all youth Events at the European Championships I won gold. I am sorry I never had a chance to play at the Under 21 European Championships. It commenced a year after I had exited that category.”
Speaking about the regrets SZOCS still cannot overcame the defeat in the final of the European Top 16 Cup.
“In 2019 I lost to Petrissa SOLJA of Germany. She beat me in straight games in the final and I could not defend my title won year earlier.”
Luckily there were more highs then lows in her career.
“I am proud of title I won in T2apac because this tournament gave me big confidence. I beat the top Asian players from China Singapore … I am very happy I have Top16 Europe title in my record and that I was the member of the Romania’s team who won European title two times in a row in seniors.”
What is the next step?
“I always have one goal – to win every tournament. However my biggest goal is to reach medal rostrum at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. Before that I want to become European champion in singles as a senior and to reach the medal rostrum at the World Championships in Team’s Event. Of course I hope to qualify for Olympics 2021 in Mixed Doubles with Ovidiu IONESCU.”
