Kreete Verlin found her way into athletics through a fairly ordinary starting point: a school competition. One teacher noticed her, one training group welcomed her, and so began an athletic journey shaped by records, rest, food and consistency.
Kreete Verlin and her start in athletics
Name: Kreete Verlin
Age: 22
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 61.5 kg
Kreete Verlin did not get into athletics because of an ad she happened to see or some grand plan. Her journey began at school, when PE teacher Asta Jänesele spotted her at a competition between schools in Nõmme. She was competing in the long jump at the age of 10, and her performance caught the teacher’s eye.
The next step followed from there. Asta Jänesele directed her to her sister Krista Valgepea’s training group. Moments like these can make a big difference to a young athlete. Someone recognises their potential before the child even understands where it might lead.
Even before athletics, movement was already part of her life. Kreete was actively involved in contemporary dance and also took swimming lessons while at kindergarten. These activities provide a solid foundation: a sense of rhythm, body awareness and the habit of training regularly. All of that comes in handy in athletics.
Kreete Verlin: results and motivation
Her greatest achievements speak for themselves: a 30-time Estonian champion across various age groups and events, plus 8th place in the long jump at the 2013 EYOF. These are no flashes in the pan. A record like this comes from years of work, repetition and showing up for training even on days when you do not feel your best.
What motivates her? Above all, her own results. Setting a new record in training or competition offers clear confirmation that things are moving in the right direction. Frankly, that is one of the most powerful driving forces for an athlete. You do not need a big motivational speech every day when you can see your work beginning to pay off in measurable ways.
Another major source of motivation is the atmosphere at competitions. Kreete remembers watching the Beijing Olympics 2 months before she started athletics training. It gave her a great deal of motivation. For a young athlete, one major competition like that can be enough to provide the spark: suddenly, you want to achieve something great on the track or in the jumping area yourself.
How do training and nutrition work together?
Training changes with the season. During the preparation phase, the focus is on interval running and jump training. The aim is to build a foundation for the upcoming competition season, developing both endurance and jumping ability. It is not always the most glamorous part of sport, but good results depend on that foundation.
During the competition season, the emphasis shifts to technique and speed training. This is when precision counts. Stride, approach, take-off, rhythm and body position all need to come together. Naturally, her training also includes barbell work 3x a week. Work in the gym serves a purpose here: it helps her perform better on the track and in the jumps.
Kreete keeps her approach to nutrition simple. In the mornings, she always tries to eat protein and carbohydrates. At lunch, her plate includes plenty of protein, dietary fibre, carbohydrates and greens. In the evenings, she likes a lighter meal, such as soup or salad, although her dinners generally vary.
She does not strictly exclude any foods. It is a very relatable approach. When a craving for something sweet strikes, she can happily polish off a whole 500ml tub of ice cream in one sitting. That does not mean she eats like this all the time as an athlete. It simply means that being in good shape does not always have to start with restrictions and guilt.
She has two favourite foods: pasta carbonara and pepperoni pizza. Before competitions, her absolute favourite is pancakes with ice cream. These choices show that an athlete’s diet can be both practical and ordinary. The foundations need to be in place, but life does not have to lose its flavour.
Kreete Verlin and the role of recovery
Recovery is not a bonus for an athlete. It is part of training. For Kreete, the most enjoyable way to unwind is a spa break, although she unfortunately gets the chance very rarely. When there is no time for a trip like that, she enjoys walking in a bog or meeting a female friend for coffee at a café.
It is these simple things that help clear your head. A bog walk, an unhurried pace and an ordinary conversation can sometimes do more for you than yet another demanding extra workout. Your body develops when training load and rest are in balance.
Kreete’s daily supplements are vitamin D, vitamin B, vitamin C and Dr Ohhira probiotics. A simple principle is worth keeping in mind here: a supplement is an addition, not a replacement. Sleep, food and training come first. Only then does it make sense to consider what else you might need.
Practical tips for getting into better shape
Kreete’s three tips for anyone who wants to get into better shape are brief but to the point.
- Be consistent with your training
- Eat more fresh foods
- Give your body the right amount of rest
The simple truth is that you don’t get fit in one good week. Equally, one bad day won’t undo all your progress. What matters is finding a routine you can maintain. When your training, diet and rest are more or less aligned, results will eventually follow.
Kreete says she has many role models: Ivana Spanovic, Sharika Nelvis, Kendra Harrison and many other big names in athletics. Role models help you see how far you can go. But you still have to put in the work yourself, step by step and one day at a time.
Follow what I’m working on and what I’m up to:
Website: https://sportlio.com/kreete-verlin/#_=_
Instagram: @kreeteverlin
FAQs
What event did Kreete Verlin compete in?
Her sport is athletics, and the article highlights the long jump. Her journey began with a strong long jump performance at a school competition.
What keeps Kreete Verlin motivated?
She is motivated by her own results, new records and major competitions. Seeing progress reassures her that her efforts are taking her in the right direction.
What can you learn from her fitness advice?
The main message is simple: train consistently, eat more fresh food and give your body enough rest. These three things work together.
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
Source: WHO – physical activity.
Come and train! ArtGym
