This article is part of the special feature “20 Years of Montenegrin Sport”. The full publication is available at the link.
This year, as we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro’s independence, we also celebrate twenty years since our athletes began competing independently under the Montenegrin flag at international competitions, including the world’s greatest and most prestigious sporting event – the Olympic Games.
As an athlete, I had the exceptional honour and privilege of representing Montenegro at three editions of the Olympic Games, an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Being an Olympian representing your country at the Olympic Games is every athlete’s dream and the pinnacle of a sporting career.
I often think back to 2012 and my first appearance at the Olympic Games in London, where I experienced the true spirit of Olympism and togetherness for the first time. It was an incredible atmosphere, with the entire Montenegrin Olympic team united as one.
I vividly remember the outstanding performances of our Golden Lionesses, the Sharks, and our athletes competing in individual sports. The atmosphere between competitions and events was truly remarkable. Personally, I felt immense pride to be among Montenegro’s finest athletes and to have the opportunity to step onto the packed Olympic Stadium in London and compete against the world’s best discus throwers of that era, and later to do the same at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
What is particularly worth highlighting is the way our athletes have built the character of our national team, exactly as it should be.
Strong, determined and unwavering in competition, fearless against every opponent, while always demonstrating fair play and respect for everyone – just as we were taught that true victory requires both courage and honour. Only then can every success be as pure as our love for the Montenegrin jersey and national emblem.
Finally, I would like to thank all the citizens of Montenegro for their love and selfless support for our athletes over the years and decades.
