By way of Krista Leveleky of the Australian team, the World Championships had yet again a participant and medallist of Hungarian ancestry, this time in New York. We’ve had a little chat with her about preparing for the event and her overall experiences.
* First of all, congratulations for your results on the Dodgeball World Cup. As the only Hungarian-related player of the World Cup.
– Thank you, we were of course hoping for the first place but are still very happy with bronze.
* When was the decision made that you can take part on the World Cup with the Australian team?
– Trials for the Australian Dodgeball team (Dodgeroos) started in December 2017 and the final squad was announced in April 2018.
* What was the reaction from your friends and family?
– My friends and family and myself were so excited to hear I had made the team especially since this is my first time representing my country at an international competition.
Krista Leveleky (18) 
Krista Leveleky
* Was it easy to train together?How the team prepared for the World Cup?
– The Dodgeroos were lucky in a way this year because the entire squad is from the same state of Australia so this meant is was quite easy for us all to train together.
We trained once or twice a week every week leading up to the World Cup. The training included fitness, strategy and skill development.
* What do you think about the level of games on the World Cup?
– I was so excited to play in the World Cup and to play against the top nations in our sport. The level of competition was really tough.
* What do you think about the opponents?
– I was most excited to see how we play against the Austrian team because they were really strong opponents.
* Which was your favourite match?
– My favourite match was against Singapore because that was my international debut and we played extremely well. It’s a match I won’t forget.
* What was the most memorable moment on the World Cup?
– So that’s also my most memorable moment as well as walking out in Madison Square Garden, the worlds most famous sporting arena for our first match against Canada.
* Do you have any message to the Hungarian Dodgeball Team?
– Train hard on and off the Dodgeball court – diet and gym can make a huge difference. Good luck!
(BF/GSK)