- 2022 Highlights
Personal Statement
Background To Swimming
I began my athletic journey as a swimmer when I was 3, and have been swimming competitively since the age of 13. Throughout my life, I have trained in a large variety of sports including basketball, football, fencing and even karate, however, my ambitions stayed within swimming. Growing up in the big city of London, it is important to have a passion that kept me disciplined, as here it can be easy to fall into the trap of crime, gangs, parties and drugs. I was 12 years old when I decided that I wanted more from swimming. In order to become the swimmer, I wanted to be, I knew I had to get a trial for the first team. At the time, I was training at a local club's development squad, so I went with the main squad to many open meets. Unfortunately, I was told repeatedly that I was 'too old’ and that it would be ‘too difficult to change my stroke’. This only fueled my aspiration, and I persevered in attaining my goal. I searched for other clubs with roster openings and made it into Barnes swimming club's 2nd squad.
During my time at Barnes swimming club, I was swimming with swimmers 1 or 2 years younger than me, and led me to question many times if I had what it took to become the top breaststroker in London. This developed my resilience, and after a year of diligence, I qualified for London Regionals and made it onto the first squad. After swimming for 5-6 months in the top squad, I lost the opportunity to train and swim at my first London Regionals due to the global pandemic. This was a devasting moment for me as an athlete, and once again made me question if I could still become a great swimmer. Instead of using the time off to pity myself, I used it to build up a stronger race mindset. I did dryland training every day and found myself excited to get back into the swimming pool in the next season. I came back the most determined I had ever been, and used new squad vacancies to train persistently and become the best breaststroker on the squad. Unfortunately, the club was not in the same place it was in the past due to problems caused by lockdowns. Although it broke my heart to have to leave a club that was so loyal to me, but for the sake of my athletic future I had to move to a more stable club.
In 2022, halfway through the season (2021-2022), I moved to Brompton swim club and have never been happier. The team environment is unmatched, and our coach engages and pushes us to our utmost limit in every session. It is by far the best program I have been a part of. My swimming IQ as well as times have majorly improved. The club has enabled me to qualify for many prestigious competitions, including the Montenegrin Nationals, International Open finals and the Irish Open Competiton of 2022.
Family Background
Both my parents are from ex-Yugoslavian countries and immigrated to the UK. My mother was forced to grow up during The Bosnian War. Her upbringing entrenched a deep toughness as well as compassion in me and my family. I was raised being taught strong morals and values of goodwill, determination and respect for all others. This in turn has allowed me to become a very family orientated person; always being there for the family no matter the cost. My mother's indomitable spirit has taught me to center my focus on my own goals and has made me value every second I have in the pool and at school. I am thankful for every opportunity that has been presented to me, as I am aware that you never know when it could be completely taken away from you, just like my mother’s childhood was taken away from her.
Team Values
Unfaltering loyalty is a principle that has been instilled in me from a young age, and is very important to me. I never leave teammates or clubs behind unless necessary, and always try to find a way to stay with teams which take me in and treat me well. I believe the key to a successful swimming team is a team that strives for greatness, with teammates that motivate one another. I am always energetic during sets and constantly keep team morale high. I encourage the swimmers around me to push through and challenge each other, ensuring we get the best possible times during a sprint set or complete every meter of a tough distance set. Overall, I am pleasant swimmer to be around who doesn't forget about those who treat him well and train to make himself and others better.
future
My future goals are simple. I want to join a prestigious swim program to become the best swimmer I possibly can. I am already an elite recognized swimmer in Montenegro (due to my dual citizenship) and want to promote my home country on a bigger stage. After college, and my swimming career, I fully intend to stay in sport and dream of opening a top swimming club, producing young talent.
