Bosnia and Herzegovina Olympic Team Presented

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The BiH Olympic team that will compete in the Winter Olympic Games from February 4-20 this year was ceremonially presented today at the premises of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the capital of China – Beijing.

Our Olympic team of 6 athletes includes: Elvedina Muzaferija, Emir Lokmić, Esma Alić (alpine skiing), Sanja Kusmuk and Strahinja Erić (cross-country skiing), and luger Mirza Nikolajev. They will be joined by 5 coaches in the pursuit of achieving top results for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the presentation of our top athletes, the President of the Olympic Committee of BiH, Marijan Kvesić, addressed the attendees, stating: “In these specific and difficult times, the Olympic Committee of BiH has made an additional effort, and through numerous projects and initiatives, has secured approximately 380,000 KM to support top BiH athletes in their preparations and competitions. Thus, the Olympic Committee of BiH has assisted athletes in their endeavor to achieve Olympic norms and contributed to strengthening the sports system of BiH. We wish our Olympians the best of luck and success at the Games.”

The ceremonial send-off of the BiH Olympic team was attended by the Ambassador of the P.R. of China, Ji Ping, who, in his address, recalled the friendly relations between our two countries, the connection between the P.R. of China and BiH, and emphasized that BiH played a special role in the history of the Olympic Games. Despite the challenging situation brought about by the pandemic, the BiH sports team in distant China will feel the hospitality, love, and respect of the citizens of Beijing, along with excellently organized Games.

All our Olympians expressed their hopes and expectations, promising to give their best and achieve the best possible results.

Mirza Nikolajev said: “I have fulfilled my personal goal, it is my first time at the Olympic Games, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will have a representative in luge for the first time since 1998.”

“It is a great honor to be a member of the Olympic team and represent BiH, and I will do my best to achieve the best possible placement,” said Strahinja Erić.

Senad Omanović addressed the attendees on behalf of all coaches. “I thank the athletes for their results and achieving the Olympic norm, my fellow coaches for their arduous work with the athletes, and special thanks go to the Olympic Committee of BiH, without whose support we would not be here today,” said Omanović.