In the 12th in a series of profiles of the national winners of the inaugural Women's Leadership Awards, European Athletics speaks to Moldova's Alexandra Marghieva.
Alexandra Marghieva began practicing athletics as a teenager and continues competing as a veteran today. This lifelong commitment to athletics has brought its challenges, and Marghieva has welcomed each of them with her passion always allowing her to come out on top.
'Being an athlete means a lot of responsibility, because it's hard work and needs a lot of time and a lot of grit because you have to sacrifice a lot of things. But, as a prize you get the sense of pride that you are an athlete,' says Marghieva.
'In my life there were a lot of moments of good and bad but I passed through them. The biggest problem was that life was a little bit tough, because much of the time I was on my own, but I passed through them successfully, I think.
One of seven children born in Singera, Moldova, Marghieva credits her sister for introducing her to athletics. Now she has built her own athletics family. Her husband, Sosland Marghieva, currently works as a Hammer Throw coach, training their two daughters and their son.
'We are working hard to encourage athletics in our family and I think that we have had some success by now,' says Marghieva.
Marghieva continues to win competitions as a veteran in both the Shot Put and Discus Throw, most recently winning the 2008 European Masters Games in Malmo, Sweden, and setting a new best in the Shot Put at the World Masters Championships in Lahti, Finland.
Her daughters both competed in the Beijing Olympic Games, while her son debuted in international competition this year at the World Youth Championships.
Marghieva's family serves as her personal inspiration. She also credits the Moldovan athletics federation (FAM).
'Of course I am also grateful to the athletics federation which did all that they could to help me and all those people who supported me.'
Marghieva's influence on her own children has been significant, and this influence has also spread to other girls in athletics.
'By being a successful athlete, as well as by being a good mother and wife, I can show other girls that if I could obtain all that I have today they can achieve this and much more with patience, hope and effort.'
Marghieva believes her hard work has helped elevate women in athletics.
'There are a lot of sports where women take part, and also this number is progressing. Women have improved themselves in sport and have a lot of success. And it's great to see how a young girl becomes a successful sports woman.'
To keep the spirit alive in the sport, Marghieva focuses on one primary goal: encouragement.
'If the sport is encouraged, there will be more attention from the organisations and media. Of course, financing is good too. We need to develop the sport and show other generations how great it is to be a sportsman or sportswoman.'