^{WRITTEN BY: Kerim Priganica/Hayat.ba}

From Beijing to Cortina and Milan

Beijing 2022: a delegation of six athletes returned to Sarajevo. Our small team was then led by Elvedina Muzaferija, our biggest asset. Elvedina did not finish the downhill, and in the super-G she was 25th, while Emir Lokmić finished 27th in the slalom. Esma Alić did not finish her slalom and giant slalom races. Mirza Nikolajev was 34th in luge, and Strahinja Erić finished 87th and 52nd in the distance events.

Four years later, the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics were before us. We wondered what we could achieve at another major competition. Once again the delegation was modest and small, with five athletes securing participation: Elvedina Muzaferija, Esma Alić, Strahinja Erić, Marko Šljivić and Teodora Delipara.

At the official send-off of our delegation four athletes were present: Alić, Šljivić, Erić and Delipara, while Muzaferija had commitments in Italy on the World Cup circuit.

When the state does not invest in sport, this success belongs to individuals

We must admit, the first thought was that we had no chance to improve results given how little those currently responsible in the state believe in or invest in sport in general. Then it suddenly occurred to us that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not send only athletes to the Milano–Cortina Olympics; it sends the character, persistence and dignity of its people.

We believed, as we watched them in the Olympic Committee hall, that our Olympians are the pride of this country and the best proof that Bosnia and Herzegovina has talent, hard work and top sporting potential. They did not go to the Olympics thanks to an organized sports system, but despite its absence. That is a fact the public needs to know.

We modestly saw them off to Italy, wishing them a safe journey, health and successful performances. They were already winners to us then, because they remained standing where many would have given up. At the opening of the Olympic Games, among 92 participating countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina was present. We were proud when the flag of our country was carried by Elvedina Muzaferija and Marko Šljivić. We quietly hoped to see on their smiling faces a chance for a strong result—and we were right…

Elvedina’s historic result

Elvedina Muzaferija was the first to compete in the downhill. On an extremely difficult course where champions like Lindsey Vonn abandoned or fell after severe crashes, our brave skier finished the race in 20th place and already achieved the best result in the history of alpine skiing in BiH.

But Elvedina and we ourselves knew she could do better, and we awaited the Super-G with impatience because that is her terrain and her biggest chance. However, when ten skiers abandoned due to an incredibly demanding course set by the Norwegian coach—among them favorites Goggia, Ledecka and many others—we were a bit worried about how things would go. Dense fog at the top and then two elbow turns in the middle of the course proved decisive for many skiers.

Still, Elvedina did not lose hope and with an excellent run placed 16th. Muzaferija wrote history for BiH skiing in the Super-G at the Tofana ski center. This is the best placement by a Bosnian-Herzegovinian skier—male or female—in the history of the Winter Olympic Games.

This result also inspired our other representatives: Strahinja Erić delivered an excellent performance in the 10 km freestyle cross-country skiing and among 113 competitors took a great 63rd place. This is his second Olympics, a confirmation of continuity, character and dedicated work.

Olympic debutant Marko Šljivić placed 41st in the first run of the giant slalom, and we are still awaiting Esma Alić’s performances. She will compete with Elvedina Muzaferija in the giant slalom on Sunday, February 15, and in the slalom on February 18. Who knows—she may surprise us with a historic performance too.

When the state does not invest in sport, this success belongs to individuals: Without state support — politicians are not interested in investing in sport

Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks a stable model of sports financing, has no long-term national sports strategy and offers no systemic care for athletes during and after their careers. That is precisely why their trip to the Olympics is an even greater feat. These athletes are not products of the system; they are its conscience. They must not be heroes of improvisation nor depend on the enthusiasm of a few. A state is measured not by words and congratulations, but by the systems it builds.

Politicians are not interested in sport and investment in it, because if they were they would at least have reacted after these results, not to mention providing financial support for our small heroes. They remain silent instead of financially supporting the Olympic Committee of BiH even more—imagine what results we could then have.

A mirror of all of us

Of course we cannot compare ourselves with the world powers of skiing—Austria, Switzerland, the United States or host Italy—but we are, for example, better than Serbia despite far greater investments there than in BiH. Croatia still has no medal in alpine skiing, but we can boast of being ahead of them in nordic skiing.

Therefore we should treat these results as if they were medals—big victories achieved against the systems of large teams and long traditions. Such performances again send a clear message: Bosnia and Herzegovina has talent, brave and quality athletes, but for greater achievements a stable and well-organized sports system is needed.

The state of BiH should reward their effort and success, and stand by our Olympians. Because athletes are not just our representatives, they are our hope, our strength and a mirror of all of us.