A Season of Growth

As the weather remains warm in Estonia but hints of autumn are in the air, it's a good time to reflect on my recent disc golf experiences. Although an unexpected injury extended my vacation to two months and limited my competition to just four events, this period was filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.

In May, I decided to step back from disc golf tournaments and disconnect from the intense emotions that marked the start of the season. Little did I know that I would suffer my first broken bone from an unfortunate fall at home. This unexpected event meant missing my second trip to the US and the initial stages of the DGPT Europe series. Despite the initial shock and confusion, I calmly accepted the situation. Fortunately, for the first time in my life, I had insurance covering the trip's expenses, such as plane tickets and car rentals, so I was fully reimbursed. I realized that this was how things were meant to be.

The challenge was that a broken rib prevented me from living an active lifestyle for a month. While it may seem like doing nothing is a dream, I wanted to prepare for my return to competition. I worked on embracing the situation and making peace with the idea that taking a break was the best thing I could do for myself. Physically, I respected this need for rest, but it took longer to accept mentally.

Although my forced vacation didn't include disc golf, it was far from uneventful. I embarked on new experiences, including starting a collaboration with a mentor I've known for a little over a year, Eva Lepik. While the official announcement is still pending, I wanted to share this development. I've always been fascinated by human potential (and how we can go beyond our human self), and after exploring these topics for three years, I found a strong connection with Eva and her programs. When presented with an opportunity to participate in a one-on-one year-long mentoring program, I said yes without hesitation. It is an exciting step, and though the outcome is unpredictable, I can already feel its impact. This collaboration began with my return to competition.

Krokhol Open 2024, Disc Golf Pro Tour

My first test after the break was at the DGPT Krokhol. The experience was both exciting and daunting. Self-doubt and an increase in physical and mental activity made the event exhausting at times, fueling more doubts. Nevertheless, I mostly observed my feelings, allowing myself to experience them without judgment. The outcome was magical. I emerged victorious in a tight contest with Silva, a dominant figure in European disc golf this season. The final round was particularly enjoyable. Despite difficult weather conditions, I played a strong game, taking the fewest shots in the women's competition and securing the top spot in the fourth DGPT elite series of the season. This victory provided momentum and support for the following week when I tackled the courses for next year's World Championship in Finland.

Returning to the European Open as the defending champion was both thrilling and humbling. The intense training rounds left me feeling tired, but I refrained from making judgments or associating them with future events. The opening round in Tampere started well, but I couldn't predict what would follow. The second round was rough, but it was a complete free fall in the third round. Nothing went as expected, and no throw seemed successful. This brought up feelings of insecurity about my identity and purpose in the sport. Ultimately, I accepted that regardless of my performance, everything was okay. Love comes from within, and I can provide it to myself, no matter what happens on the course or in the wider world. Embracing this allowed me to enter the final round with a clean slate. I played my game without discouragement, even when facing setbacks. At the end of this whirlwind, I found myself on the 18th tee as the competition leader. Even though my knees felt weak, I was strong inside, throwing my last drive and stepping closer to my seventh major victory. To my surprise, it happened! Offering me an unforgettable experience both on the disc golf course and within myself.

European Open 2024, Professional Disc Golf Association

Next up, competing in front of my home crowd at the European Disc Golf Festival to conclude my European tour. The event was a unique experience, igniting passion among players and spectators. Stepping into the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, I observed myself to see if any remnants of last year's whirlwind at the European Championships remained within me, but I discovered real peace inside. Surprisingly, even with this inner calm, the game wasn't smooth. Mistakes were common and severely punished, given the track's tight OBs. Despite my best efforts, the game remained mediocre, marking the worst finish in my DGPT career—8th place. Reflecting on this, I realized that my victory wasn't the least number of shots but the joy of being and experiencing. A shift in me, sparked by a tough third round at the European Open, made me receptive to love and support—from myself and others. This is exactly what I experienced at the Song Festival Grounds, where enormous crowds of supporters showed their support. What a victory! I'm incredibly grateful and filled with love!

After the European competitions, I took a two-week break, during which significant events unfolded in my private life. I can share more about that another time. Once the break was over, it was time to prepare for the World Championships! My game was in great shape when practicing on the two courses in Virginia and during the doubles tournament. My drives were solid, approaches were landing near the basket, and my putts were on point. However, when the tournament began, things took a turn. My drives seemed to miss their intended targets, and my approach shots were inconsistent. Fortunately, my putting remained strong. Mentally, I felt ready, but for some reason, my body wasn’t cooperating as I expected. Despite these challenges, I found myself surprisingly at peace and eager to play daily. Although I couldn’t string together consistently strong rounds, and my mistakes kept me out of contention for the top spot, I remained focused on my overall experience.

World Championships 2024, Professional Disc Golf Association

What stood out to me was the shift I noticed in my mindset this year. I've become acutely aware that I can choose how I experience the world and my state of being. While I’ve understood this concept before, it now feels deeply integrated into my being. This awareness has allowed me to stay calm and confident, regardless of the circumstances, enhancing my enjoyment of life in all its aspects.

In the end, after the first round, I was tied for 21st place, but I managed to climb my way to the podium by the end of the tournament, finishing in 3rd place.

This sums up my summer—not rich in tournaments, but rich in experiences, observations, and a shift in my state of being.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO CELEBRATE MY 2 WINS THIS SUMMER BY PURCHASING A COMMEMORATIVE DISC BY LATITUDE 64, PLEASE LOOK AT THEM HERE.