Herzegovina will be proudly represented by three athletes at the Paris Olympics: judoka Aleksandra Samardžić, renowned volleyball player Tijana Bošković, and swimmer Lana Pudar.
One of the smallest municipalities in the Republic of
Srpska, Berkovići, will have its representative at the upcoming Olympic Games
in Paris. The proud residents of Dabar have heartily wished their golden
judoka, Aleksandra Samardžić, the best of luck. Aleksandra is overjoyed to make
her community proud.
“The second happiest moment for me is today, seeing how much
it means to the people in my surroundings, in my small community, that I have
achieved my dream. They are so proud and happy for me,” says judoka Aleksandra
Samardžić.
Aleksandra’s father and first coach, Jovo, also shares in
the pride. “Not only was I her first coach, but Aleksandra also won her first
major medal with me in Berkovići. In 2012, Aleksandra was the runner-up at the
European Cadet Championships, which is a very prestigious result and has set a
high standard for Berkovići,” says Joco Samardžić.
Aleksandra holds a similar status in Berkovići as Djokovic
does in Serbia and Tijana Bošković in Bileća, says the mayor. Nenad Abramović
adds that the entire Berkovići community has long been proud of Aleksandra and
the sport of judo in their municipality. A ceremonial session was held in her
honor.
“We wish her all the best, above all to feel healthy and
prepared for the Olympics. Whatever the result, we will continue to be proud,”
says the mayor of Berkovići, Nenad Abramović.
Aleksandra's qualities of being both combative and humble
will accompany her to Paris. She remains realistic, not considering herself a
favorite, but she knows her opponents well and is determined to put up a strong
fight.
Tijana Bošković will be competing at the Olympics for the third time, having previously won a silver medal in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2021 with her team.
“We are very excited; it is an honor and a great pride to
have the opportunity to represent our country and our team again at the largest
sporting event in the world. We have made good use of our preparations,
reaching our level of play. The friendly matches we played were very important
to build our form and be as well-prepared as possible. I am sure we are going
to Paris ready, and I can promise that, as always, we will proudly represent
our country,” said Tijana Bošković to Nezavisne.
Our most successful swimmer, Lana Pudar, also represents
Herzegovina.
“I am very excited to go to Paris, and it is a great honor
for me to be at the same place with the best athletes in the world for the
second time. This time, I am going with more experience, better preparation,
and greater ambitions,” said Pudar, as reported by Reprezentacija.ba.
The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.
Source: eTrebinje