(Patria) - The best BiH swimmer Lana Pudar, who won bronze in the 200-meter butterfly race at the World Championships in Doha last night, returned to her homeland today.
Lana swam that distance in 2:07.92, which was enough for the podium and a bronze medal, writes Faktor.
The gold medal went to Briton Laura Stephens (2:07:35), and the silver to Dane Helena Rosendahl Bach (2:07.86).
Posed with the medal
Lana was welcomed today at Sarajevo Airport by fans, friends, and relatives, as well as media representatives, with whom the 18-year-old from Mostar posed with her medal.
At a press conference, she said she felt tired and hadn't slept well last night, but that she was happy about the great success she had achieved on the world stage for BiH swimming.
- I can't put into words the feeling of happiness and satisfaction. Since yesterday, when I saw the result, I've felt wonderful. It means a lot to me and my country. It's truly a wonderful feeling - said Lana.
She points out that she was not satisfied with the semi-final race, in which she barely made it to the final.
- It was very uncertain, but I believed I would make it into the Top 8. When I got in, a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I gave it my all.
During the race, I thought about what my coach told me. I also saw a large number of fans. That was an additional motivation for me. I said - I'm going to do the best I can.
February is an awkward time and unusual for a world championship, so this is a very good time I achieved. I still have a lot of work to do, there will be many more preparations, competitions, pain...
I am on the right track and have the opportunity to achieve something very good. This is an Olympic year, and this is a tailwind - emphasized the third-place finisher in the world.
Lana's coach Damir Đedović says that her previous time of two minutes and 13 seconds was her best result in February, but that she has now significantly improved it, and that this is one of his most cherished medals.
Could have won gold
He emphasizes that he believed in Lana and revealed that she could have won gold if the race had lasted a few more meters.
The BiH public now expects a medal from Lana at the Paris Olympics.
- I don't feel excessive pressure. That's also thanks to my team, which takes the pressure off me, and I am maximally focused on training.
I will try to stay focused, so that it doesn't disrupt me. I want to make everyone around me and the nation proud - she said, and her coaches added that she needs to take it step by step.
The journalists asked her where her medal was.
- In my suitcase. Safely - said Lana with a smile, and her team explained that this way she passes through airport checks more easily.
Coach Đedović emphasized that the young woman from Mostar deserved this success because she prepared diligently.
- I am happy for her, she deserved it. She worked a lot, she achieved her maximum, and this is the most cherished medal she has won so far. This is a big event, the biggest after the Olympic Games.
We are aware that Lana can achieve much more, but a clear head, quality work, and a lot of sacrifice are needed, and we are focusing on that.
There is a lot of work behind her and ahead of her. I hope there will be no injuries in the coming period, and our job is to prepare her as best as possible.
We are all aware that she can achieve a lot. Lana is a hard worker, a girl who understands and respects the work process. She is aware that she has achieved all of this through very hard work and that there are no shortcuts - concluded Đedović.
Komentari (0)
Prijavite se za komentiranje
PrijavaJos nema komentara. Budite prvi!
Minuta
Sve →Iz drugih kategorija
High Representative Not Elected: Germans, French and British Sabotaged Americans, New Attempt at End of June
ČOVIĆ WITHOUT MERCY: How Those Who Brought Ademović to Office Created a Political Hell for Him
Sunny Saturday, quite warm
Tragedy in Albanian resort: Two minors drown
