Janic's journey in canoe sprint started early. Influenced by her father's achievements, she took up the sport alongside her siblings. Her father served as their coach, guiding them through the initial stages of their training. This family-oriented approach laid a strong foundation for her future success.

Club and Coaching

Janic represents Szegedi VSE and Gyori Vizisport Egyesulet in Hungary. Since 2010, her husband Andrian Dushev has been one of her coaches. Dushev himself is an accomplished athlete, having won a bronze medal in the K2 1000m at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Achievements and Recognition

Janic has been recognised for her contributions to sports. She was named Hungarian Sportswoman of the Year twice, in 2004 and 2010. Her dedication to the sport and consistent performance have earned her this prestigious honour.

Challenges and Resilience

In 2014, Janic underwent spinal surgery. Despite this setback, she continued to pursue her passion for canoe sprint. Her resilience and determination have been evident throughout her career.

Personal Life

Janic is married to Andrian Dushev and they have a daughter named Milana. She enjoys spending time with her daughter when not training or competing. Her multilingual abilities include Bulgarian, Croatian, English, Hungarian, Serbian, and Spanish.

Inspirations and Ambitions

German paddler Birgit Fischer has been a significant inspiration for Janic. Looking ahead, she aims to win an Olympic gold medal. This ambition drives her continuous efforts in training and competition.

Transition from Yugoslavia to Hungary

Janic competed for Yugoslavia at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney before moving to Hungary. She gained Hungarian citizenship in 2004 and has since represented Hungary in international competitions.

Natalia Janic's journey from a young paddler influenced by her Olympian father to an accomplished athlete with numerous accolades is inspiring. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and continuous pursuit of excellence in canoe sprint.