“Make-up!” grins Belinda Bencic (25). The Olympic tennis champion has just opened the first gift sent to her by sprinter Ajla Del Ponte (26). The two athletes prepared a package for each other and delivered it to the post office. Inside: personal gifts from various categories. Makeup, an eyeliner, comes from the previously defined category of «Motivation».
“ready to go”
So what does makeup have to do with motivation? Del Ponte explains: “I always try to match eyeliner with my outfits at competitions. A little extra to show me: ‘I’m ready to go’.” Enough encouragement for Bencic to say he wants to try too. “Maybe I’ll run as fast as you then?”
Gift packages provide a surprising insight into the daily lives of two athletes we usually only know from the stadiums. They are gifts for personal well-being, better concentration, fitness or just a little distraction and fun. Stick to the motto: You should do something good for yourself (and the other person) from time to time.
«Paula improves my mood»
There’s also a brand new dog collar in the “Free Time” category for Belinda Bencic – or rather her dog Paula. “It always improves my mood,” says Bencic about his pet. Numerous studies also show that dogs improve the well-being of their owners or mistresses. Walking helps the cardiovascular system work. And just hugging a dog or cat releases the “happiness hormone” oxytocin.
Finally, Bencic also receives a very typical gift: a book. “The truth about the Harry Quebert case” is the title of Joël Dicker’s bestseller from Geneva, which Del Ponte gifted under the category “I’m Time”. This gift also fits into an athlete’s daily life, as Del Ponte explains: “I always take some time to myself in my processes.” For example, “Me Time”, where she reads a book. Bencic explains that sport is a professional field where it is difficult to distinguish between professional and private time. “A healthy life also includes taking care of your brain,” says Sprinter Del Ponte, explaining her interest in books.
You can find out what Ajla Del Ponte bought from Belinda Bencic on Thursday at blick.ch.