Jelena Dokic talks Fitness Food and being UNBREAKABLE
*Photo by Daily Telegraph - photographer Marin Mester
What a woman. She's a former Australian and World number 4 tennis champion, same Serbo Croatian mix like me and what a true survivor. Such an inspiration to many and how courageous is Jelena Dokic? Sharing her horrendous childhood story and chaotic professional tennis career with the world. Jelena takes 5 minutes with us today to talk about Fitness and Food and her depression and suicidal thoughts in her latest UNBREAKABLE autobiography.
Give Jelena a warm Dani & Co. welcome.
1. What fitness activity do you schedule into your daily routine to keep healthy?
I have had some health issues in the last few years and because of that some weight problems. I couldn't exercise for a while. But I am getting back to normal now. I try to exercise whenever I can. I love to run and I still try to get on court sometimes and have a hit. I also go to the gym and I love to go on long walks.
2. Describe your dream meal - what could we expect to find on your plate?
I am not sure I about a dream meal. Too hard to pick :))) but I love Italian and Eastern European cuisine and Balkan cuisine.
3. Who’s your go to style icon - who have you always admired for their style, and why?
I love the style of Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba and Emily Ratajkowski. Stylish, elegant and understated sexy.
4. What’s a childhood habit or mannerism that has followed you into adulthood?
I don't really have too many habits from my childhood.
5. Name three things you can’t leave the house without and why?
I can't leave the house without my phone, wallet and keys.
Now onto her incredibly raw and painful book. If you want happy feel good vibes and have a laugh, this book will not provide this for you. I ask Jelena some questions about her childhood and reference her book, the rest you will need to read for yourself. It will make you cry, it will make you angry but above all, it will uplift. you.
1. How does it feel reliving your story over and over again with all the journalists that have been interviewing you during your book launch?
It hasn't been too difficult talking to the media and everyone on my book tour because I have gone thru the tough process of dealing with all of this for more than 20 years and also it was a lot tougher during the writing process of my book than now talking about it. Also I want to talk about everything and be very open and honest just like I am in my book.
2. Being from Yugoslav parents myself I know our family rule was never to share our private family matters with anyone. At what point (or can you trace the exact moment) when you decided to share your story?
I always knew I was going to share my story as I always wanted to get it out there exactly what my life was like and I knew I could help people by telling my story.
3. What have you done or can you share steps you’ve taken to see the good out of your childhood experience.
I gotta be honest I have not taken anything good out of my childhood. I had a horrible childhood and I almost took my own life because of everything that I went thru.
4. Can you share what you are doing now and your plans for the future
Commentary for Channel 7, Tennis Australia and Foxtel. Motivational speaking, column writing and brand ambassador. I am hoping to also start my own foundation next year.
Big love and thanks to Jelena for taking time to share her painful and trying story with us. I know how it can be, being raised from a Former Yugoslavia background myself, a war stricken country (all my surviving family live in Croatia and Serbia, it’s just Mum and my brother here in Australia), along with the racial critism that comes with not being an Australian. So, I commend Jelena for sharing her traumatic story.
Connect with Jelena Dokic on her Instagram page, she would love to hear from you.
The most positive thing I found from Jelena’s childhood tennis career is this book and being able to share it with the world. Can you just imagine how many other people are currently in similar situations and don’t know where to turn. This book may help other lives currently experiencing domestic violence distress. If you know anyone who is experiencing depression or domestic violence, please contact Beyond Blue or White Ribbon.
This is an example of why I’m here, sharing people’s stories connecting one another and providing a positive support network.
Here are some of Jelena’s favorite quotes to kick start your week;
"UNTIL YOU ARE BROKEN,
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF.
IT GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO BUILD YOURSELF
ALL OVER AGAIN, BUT STRONGER THAN EVER."
"IF I FALL, I WILL GET BACK UP.
IF I AM BEATEN, I WILL RETURN."