Olympian trains Longboaters

Watching the 2024 Paris Olympics brings back memories for Petar Sibinkic. 

In 1996, he was part of a four-man canoe team representing Serbia at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

After training twice daily for eight years, he vividly remembers moving in perfect unison with his teammates during their race.

From Olympian to Longboat Key Fitness Owner

Most people on Longboat Key know Sibinkic as the owner of Longboat Key Fitness, a dedicated trainer, and a friend.

However, the Olympic Games remind him of his identity as a two-time Olympian and three-time European kayaking champion.

A Natural-Born Competitor

Raised near a river in Serbia, Sibinkic's elementary school teacher introduced him to kayaking, turning the river into his playground.

He and his younger brother quickly fell in love with the sport. By age 12, Sibinkic was competing in kayak races, driven by a fierce competitive spirit.

He trained relentlessly, kayaking twice a day, aiming not just to participate but to win—an attitude he shared with his fellow Olympians.

Sibinkic describes kayak racing as intricate and unpredictable.

Every stroke had to be perfectly synchronized with his teammates, and they had to consider factors like wind to avoid losing direction.

Throughout his teenage years, Sibinkic trained rigorously and competed to become Serbia's top kayaker, incorporating weight and interval training and cross-country skiing to boost stamina and cardiovascular fitness.

His dedication paid off with three European championship medals in Canoe Sprint.

Competing on the World Stage

At 20, Sibinkic qualified for the 1996 Olympic kayak and canoe sprint trials. He always felt drawn to the U.S., and the Atlanta Olympics provided the opportunity to fulfill that dream.

On July 19, he walked into the Centennial Olympic Stadium with a small group of Serbian athletes, witnessed by 3.5 billion viewers—the most-watched opening ceremony in Olympic history at that time.

"That's the dream of every athlete, to compete," Sibinkic said. "We were among the best athletes in the world, surrounded by national anthems and flags.

It was electrifying to carry the spirit of the modern Olympic Games, which has so much history. The camaraderie was incredible. We were competitors on the field but friends off it."

Sibinkic cherished breakfast in the Olympic Village, mingling with athletes from around the world, each with their own story.

He noted that despite different backgrounds, all shared a love for competition, a willingness to make friends, and a passion for their countries.

He was in awe of being surrounded by legends like wrestler Aleksandr Karelin and basketball player Shaquille O'Neal.

The Race Experience

The competition took place in Gainesville, Georgia, requiring an hour-long bus ride. Once there, Sibinkic immediately took to the water to gauge how the wind might impact his race.

"Before every race, you have to deal with initial anxiety," he said. "But when the pistol fires, the anxiety vanishes, and you start paddling. It's an intriguing yet crucial part of the competition experience."

Sibinkic placed eighth in the semi-finals at the 1996 Olympic Games. After his events, he enjoyed watching other sports like basketball and cheering for new friends.

One memorable day, while wandering the Olympic Village, he encountered Muhammad Ali, shaking his hand in an inspiring moment.

In 2000, Sibinkic competed in the Sydney Olympics for Bulgaria, feeling more experienced and determined, ultimately placing fifth.

From Olympics to Longboat Key

After the Sydney Olympics, Sibinkic moved to the U.S. in 2005, following his dream. With a degree in sports technology training and extensive knowledge from his athletic career, he aimed to help others improve their health and longevity.

He joined a friend at Longboat Key to work as a trainer at the Longboat Key Club.

After establishing himself as a reputable trainer in Sarasota, he opened his own gym on the island, where he felt destined to be.

"With my knowledge from professional training, I understand the human body well," Sibinkic said. "I know when to push clients during workouts and when to ease up, based on their breathing, facial expressions, and movements.

It's rewarding to use my training skills to enhance others' lives and help them reach their goals."

At Longboat Key Fitness, Sibinkic trains about 50 people weekly, using his Olympian determination to promote peak health and deliver desired results.

Having lived there for nearly 20 years, he considers his clients family and takes pride in the gym's community atmosphere.

With the Olympics airing, Sibinkic finds himself reminiscing. He enjoys having the sporting events on at the gym, sharing stories from his past with clients.

Recently, he kayaked for the first time in months, rekindling his love for the sport.

"This experience shaped me as a person," Sibinkic said. "The work ethic and mindset from the Olympics are invaluable. I wouldn't be here enhancing lives if it weren't for the Olympics."

Source: yourobserver

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.