The ETO University Handball Team players began preparing for the long-awaited NB I season in mid-July. Compared to last year, the team has undergone a transformation, and we are launching a series to introduce our new players. In the second part, we present the left winger, Balázs Laurinyecz.
Balázs Laurinyecz reached the men's Hungarian Cup final four with his previous team, Dabas, last season. However, this year he will be fighting for new challenges with a new team. Here’s our interview with him.
Let's start at the beginning. Why did you choose handball as your sport?
I've been surrounded by handball since I was a child, as my mother played the sport, and my siblings also participated in it competitively. I started playing handball in Békéscsaba when I was about 12 or 13 years old, and from then on, I continually took part in various competitions and preparations. Afterward, I moved to Dabas, where I spent eight years.
You spent a lot of time in Dabas, almost growing up there. Yet, you decided to leave; why did you feel the need for a change?
That's a very difficult question, as I really enjoyed playing there; I considered the whole team and everyone around us as my family. But I was looking for new challenges, which led me to the decision to change. When I received an inquiry from Győr, I liked the vision that was outlined, so I decided to try it out. So far, I feel that my expectations have been met; I'm doing great at ETO, where the foundation of a good team is already in place.
Since you brought up the team's formation, the preparation started in mid-July, and we can say that there have been quite a few training sessions behind you. What are your first impressions?
I believe that a very good community has formed here. We are progressing step by step and are currently in a very specialized and detailed preparation phase, where every aspect is being thoroughly addressed in both defense and offense. I am confident that we will be able to achieve our set goals. We are working hard in every training session to become better as a team and as individuals.
An elite athlete lives a life of strict routines, as they have training sessions or matches every day. When you’re not playing handball, what relaxes you and helps you recharge?
I consider myself a true community person, so whenever I have the time, I enjoy spending time with my friends. The moments we share really recharge me during the week and on weekends as well. We often play board games, but we also enjoy sitting in front of the computer together and spending time that way. I cherish the quality moments we spend together.
It definitely shows that you're a true community person. You probably have a nickname too; will you share what it is?
Lau is my nickname. It doesn't really have an interesting story, as it comes from the first three letters of my last name.
If we turn back to the team a bit, we've already talked about the preparations. However, we know that the goal is to establish stability in the championship. What are your personal goals for the future?
Personally, I would like to have as good a preparation behind me as possible to get myself in the best shape. I want to work with maximum focus and dedication in every training session and match, contributing to the team's best performance.
Many have been waiting for the city to have a top-tier men's handball team again. What message do you have for the fans in Győr?
I believe that an exciting period is beginning here in Győr. In order for us to have a successful season, we will need the support of the fans. So I ask that as many people as possible come out to the matches and cheer for us. I hope that a great community will form where everyone feels a sense of ownership over our successes.
