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92 ǀ POSITIV MAN 2026
Everyday You Aim to Become
Lile Beer Than the Day Before
On the days when he does not feel like it, he trains anyway. He says no to things others take
for granted. Pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis on discipline, failure, and what elite sport can teach us
about business.
What does your daily routine look like when you aim
to be the best? What do you do differently?
My daily routine is fully structured around training,
recovery, and focus. What I do differently is consistency
— even on days when I don’t feel like it, I stick to the plan.
I don’t rely on emotions; I rely on the process.
What keeps you disciplined on days when
motivation is low?
My goal. You don’t train for today — you train
for the moment that will matter. Those are the days that
build your character. At the same time, my team plays
a crucial role — my coaches and physiotherapists keep
me focused and consistent, even when I’m not at 100%.
What single principle from sports would you apply
to running a business?
Continuous improvement. Every day you aim
to become a little better than the day before. There
is no ceiling — only constant progress through discipline
and consistency.
What should a manager take away from the mindset
of a top-level athlete?
The ability to handle failure. In sport, you lose many
times before you win. If you can’t deal with setbacks
and grow from them, you won’t reach the top.
Do you have a specific way of dealing with pressure?
I try to turn pressure into energy. When everything is on
the line, I stay present and don’t think about the outcome.
I focus only on what I need to do in that moment.
Do you use any technology or data in your
preparation?
Yes, it’s an essential part of my preparation. We track
performance, technique, recovery, and sleep. Data
helps me better understand my body and make the right
adjustments.
Do you deliberately focus on nutrition, sleep,
and recovery?
These are the foundations of performance. Training
alone is not enough — without proper nutrition, quality
sleep, and recovery, you can’t perform at your best.
I follow a consistent routine that allows me to sustain
a high level over time.
What drains your energy the most – and what gives
it back to you?
What drains me the most is negativity — whether
it comes from external pressure or my own thoughts.
Overthinking and the need to control everything can
be more exhausting than the hardest
training session. What gives me energy is my team,
the people who support me, and the small daily wins
— a good training session, a strong jump, or simply
staying consistent on a difficult day.
Do you still have a “normal life,” or is everything
subordinated to performance?
At this level, “normal life” has a different meaning.
Most things are structured around performance —
my schedule, recovery, travel, even my free time.
However, I strongly believe in balance. Spending time
with my family and close people keeps me grounded
and mentally strong.
What have you had to sacrifice that people on
the outside don’t see?
Time with friends, spontaneity, moments of rest
without structure. There are many times you have
to say “no” to things that others take for granted,
because you are committed to a bigger goal.
Can you recall a moment when everything was
at stake – and you delivered? What was going
through your mind at that time?
In those moments, there is pressure, but also a unique
sense of calm. I don’t focus on the outcome or
what’s at stake — that can take you out of the moment.
I stay present and trust the work I’ve done. Everything
becomes almost automatic. The only thought is: I’m
ready — now it’s time to show it.
The only thought is:
“I’m ready — now it’s me to show it.“
| Text: Monika Ševčíková, foto: Zlatá tretra