NINE-YEAR-OLD MILICA BLAGOJEVIĆ WINS 104 JUDO MEDALS IN JUST THREE YEARS

At just nine years old, Milica Blagojević from Trn near Laktaši has already established herself as one of the most promising young judokas in the region. In only three years of training, she has collected an astonishing 104 medals, including 64 gold, 21 silver, and 19 bronze, thanks to remarkable talent, discipline, and unwavering dedication.

PHOTO: Nezavisne novine

Milica, a member of Judo Club Trn, has enjoyed an extraordinary season in 2026. Competing in her age category, she entered 13 tournaments without losing a single match, while extending her winning streak to 19 consecutive tournament titles.

"Milica is an exceptionally talented girl. She hasn't suffered a single defeat in her category this year, and we truly believe she has a bright future in the sport," said her mother, Sanela Blagojević.

According to Sanela, Milica chose judo entirely on her own. At the age of six, she announced that she wanted to practice the sport and has not missed a single training session since.

"She has always been very independent. When she decided to train judo, she committed herself completely. There isn't a single practice she has skipped," her mother told Nezavisne novine.

The family's daily routine revolves around Milica's training schedule.

"There are times when we leave birthday parties or family celebrations early because Milica has training. That level of discipline is rare for a child her age," Sanela explained.

Despite her demanding sports schedule, Milica also excels academically, maintaining top grades at school. Her teachers have been supportive whenever competitions require her to travel.

Although Judo Club Trn does not organize trips to every international competition, Milica's family has independently financed many of her appearances both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.

"So far, we have never asked for financial assistance. We covered all the expenses ourselves. The Mayor of Laktaši, Miroslav Bojić, congratulated Milica on her achievements and later supported the club by improving its equipment and training conditions. It means a great deal to us to know that our local community stands behind Milica and her future competitions," Sanela said.

Milica's reputation has already spread well beyond her hometown.

Her mother recalled an amusing moment at a tournament in Zagreb, where a girl from the same age category asked Milica whether she would compete in the next event. When Milica replied that she would not, the girl smiled and said she would ask her father to register her because she finally had a chance to win.

"That was the moment we realized that children already know exactly who Milica is and how successful she has become," Sanela said.

Milica is also frequently invited to train with competitors from other clubs, a clear sign of the respect she has earned despite her young age.

While her competitive journey is only just beginning, her ultimate ambition is already clear—to represent her country at the Olympic Games.

Starting next year, Milica will become eligible to compete at the Republic of Srpska Championship and the Bosnia and Herzegovina National Championship, opening the door to the Balkan Championships and her first major international events on the road toward fulfilling her Olympic dream.