Lana Pudar goes to America for the prestigious University of Virginia, but will continue to compete for BiH

(Patria) - The best Bosnian-Herzegovinian athlete, swimmer Lana Pudar, will continue her sports career and academic path at the prestigious University of Virginia in the United States of America.

Pudar will join the world swimming elite there, given that some of the best female swimmers today compete for the University of Virginia. Virginia has been the most successful swimming team in the United States in the last five years, and the swimming elite is led by the head coach of the US women's national team, Todd DeSorbo.

As highlighted at today's press conference, only two female swimmers were invited to join this prestigious roster this year, and Pudar is one of them. This move represents significant progress for the young athlete from Mostar.

"The decision came naturally after everything we went through in the past few years. I got the opportunity to train with the best – a team that has dominated the American scene for the last five years. The conditions I received allow me not only progress in sports but also academic development, as it is a university with an exceptional educational program. This is just a new step on my path," said Pudar.

Her coach, Damir Đedović, emphasizes that the cooperation with the American team is the result of carefully conducted negotiations.

"We agreed that Lana would have the same status as top American swimmers. She will be included in all preparations and camps, and I will have the opportunity to learn and work side-by-side with the most prominent coaches in the world. It is crucial that Lana continues to compete for Bosnia and Herzegovina in all international competitions, while in America she will participate in league and university competitions," explained Đedović.

The president of the Olympic Committee of BiH, Izet Rađo, said that this institution "feels pride, but also sadness because one of our best athletes has to leave the country to reach her full potential".

"The lack of basic sports infrastructure, such as a swimming pool in Mostar, pushes young talents out of the country. If we want to have more athletes like Lana, we must provide them with the conditions they deserve – not with thanks and applause, but with serious investments and systemic support," said Rađo.