Marko Nikolić

Q: How did you first start playing water polo?

A: I started swimming competitively at the age of 7. By the time I turned 8, I was looking for something more. By chance, I was recruited at the Serbian church by a coach who had recently moved to Edmonton. I joined Tsunami that next year, and the rest is history.

 

Q: What is it about water polo that made you fall in love with the sport?

A: The amount of self-discipline that was required, especially at the higher level, was my primary attraction. Then came the competitiveness, comradery, difficulty, and the high level of fitness necessary.

 

Q: What is your favourite water polo memory?

A: Travelling the world and competing on the international stage with Team Canada.

 

Q: What made you want to be a coach?

A: After finishing my post-secondary studies and returning to the club as a Major League athlete, I grew attached to the current group of young Tsunami athletes and felt as though I had a lot of knowledge to pass down to them.

 

Q: Who was your most influential coach?

A: Fedja Avlijas. He wasn’t my first coach, but he was the first coach who taught me how to be a goaltender. Till he joined the club, I was primarily self-taught from watching professional goalies on the internet. He honed my skills and turned me into an international-caliber athlete.

 

Q: Who is an athlete you admire?

A: Novak Djokovic

 

Q: What is your favourite quote?

A: “Pressure is a privilege.”