Respect Your Talent tours Europe

Hundreds of talented handball players attend this year’s Respect Your Talent Summer Tour, created by the European Handball Federation and TWIN.

Since its inception in 2019, Respect Your Talent has supported talented female and male players across Europe, preparing them for the current and future demands of elite handball. The programme utilizes a variety of physical and digital formats to educate young athletes on essential topics such as media relations, sports law, mental fitness, dual career, anti-doping, or nutrition.

Last week marked the beginning of the programme’s annual “Player of the Match Events” (July-August 2024), featuring long-time role models and introducing new programme ambassadors such as Slovenian Champions League winner Domen Makuc, or Croatian Olympic champion and World Cup winner Vlado Šola. These accomplished athletes are now part of a distinguished group dedicated to mentoring the next generation of handball players.

Insights on the path to handball greatness

In the dynamic world of elite handball, the path to the top is carved with talent, vision, and relentless dedication. Domen Makuc and Vlado Šola provided invaluable insights into what it takes from their point of view to excel in this sport, emphasizing the unique qualities that separate the good from the great.

“Talent means you have a different vision than the rest.”

Domen Makuc
Respect Your Talent Ambassador

Domen Makuc, a 24-year old player making waves in European handball, believes that talent is more than just a skill; it is a distinctive vision. According to Makuc, talent manifests as an ability to perceive the game differently than others, allowing players to anticipate moves, make quick decisions, and stay ahead of the competition.

His journey underscores the importance of nurturing this vision through continuous holistic learning and adaptation. Makuc advises young athletes to embrace their unique perspectives and use them to their advantage, rather than conforming to conventional approaches. This mindset, he suggests, is key to unlocking one’s full potential on the court.

Vlado Šola, 55, a renowned coach and former world-class player, echoes the sentiment of constant improvement but highlights the role of daily effort and resilience. For Šola, the foundation of a successful handball career is built on the commitment to improve every single day. He stresses that talent alone is not enough; it must be coupled with a rigorous work ethic and the willingness to push through challenges.

Šola’s coaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that incremental progress, achieved through consistent practice and self-discipline, leads to long-term success. His message to aspiring handball players is clear: dedication to daily improvement, on and off the court, will set you apart and pave the way for achieving your goals.

The experiences of Makuc and Šola offer a complementary roadmap for young athletes, together providing a holistic approach to personal and professional development in handball. For young talents striving to make their mark in and outside of sport, embracing these principles can lead to remarkable growth, sustainable performance, and personal purpose.