THREE ATHLETES FROM HERZEGOVINA TO COMPETE AT PARIS OLYMPICS

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