Nelly Korda emerged as a beacon of excellence and resilience in the world of sports. Her journey to the top of the world rankings in women's golf is a testament to her dedication and skill, and it was spectacularly highlighted by her performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The Road to Gold
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were a unique spectacle, marked by empty stands and stringent health protocols. Yet, amidst these unprecedented challenges, Nelly Korda clinched the gold medal in women's golf, an achievement that firmly cemented her status as one of the sport's elite players. Reflecting on the experience, Korda said, "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."
A Storied Legacy
Since her Olympic triumph, Korda has continued her dominance in women's golf, capturing another major championship and adding eight more wins to her impressive resume. Such consistency and success have solidified her position as the No. 1 player in the world. Remarkably, she won five consecutive tournaments earlier this year, further demonstrating her mastery of the sport. "Hopefully trending in the right direction," she quipped, showcasing her humility and relentless pursuit of perfection.
A Family of Athletes
The athletic prowess in the Korda family is undeniable. Her mother, Regina, competed in the 1988 Olympics as a tennis player, while her father, Petr, is celebrated as an Australian Open tennis champion. Adding to this legacy, Nelly's brother, Sebastian, is also making his mark in professional tennis. This lineage of sporting excellence has undoubtedly played a role in shaping Nelly's career. Reflecting on her family's influence, she shared, "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."
The Impact of the Pandemic and the Return of Fans
The Tokyo Games, with almost no crowds due to the ongoing pandemic, presented a stark contrast to previous Olympics. In comparison, the current Paris Olympics have witnessed full congregations of fans, bringing back the electric atmosphere that athletes thrive on. Nelly appreciated this change, noting, "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." The absence and return of the crowd have added a unique dimension to her Olympic experiences.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite her stellar track record, Korda has faced her share of challenges. She recently missed three of four cuts and finished T26 in another event, underscoring the unpredictable nature of golf. "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," she mused, revealing the mental fortitude required to stay at the top.
Between tournaments, Korda makes sure to balance rest and rigorous training. After a taxing schedule, she took some time off following the Evian Championship to recharge before diving into two weeks of intensive practice. "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," she explained. Her coach, Jamie Mulligan, plays a pivotal role in her preparation, providing the guidance and support needed for peak performance. "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," she added.
Looking Forward
With golf being reintroduced to the Olympics in 2016 after a long hiatus, the sport has seen a varied set of competitors reach the podium. Nine different men have medaled in golf across the last three Olympics, while Lydia Ko remains the only woman to have won multiple medals, both of which are not gold. Korda's continued success has set a new benchmark in the sport, making her a role model for aspiring golfers worldwide.
As she competes in the current Olympics, Korda remains focused on enjoying the game and the presence of fans. "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," she remarked, bringing full circle the journey of a champion who remains grounded despite standing at the pinnacle of her sport.