Bosnia’s best swimmer, Lana Pudar, who took bronze at the Abu Dhabi World Championship in the women’s 200-metre butterfly race, thanked all those who supported her and said she is proud of her historic success.
The 15-year-old from the southern city of Mostar spoke at a press conference at the Sarajevo International Airport on Thursday.
“The support I have received throughout these days really means a lot to me. This competition was phenomenal for me. The crown of the year and the crown of the competition is the bronze medal, which I am very proud of,” she said.
Pudar’s coach, Alena Cemalovic, also addressed reporters and commented on the great success the young swimmer achieved.
She noted that competing against women who are above 20 years of age took courage.
“You have to have something within you and face it the way Lana did. I know this whole year has been euphoric and ended with this medal and I have to thank everyone. Lana and I spent 170 days preparing, which is almost 6 months that Lana spent outside of school and that is not a small thing for a 15-year-old girl,” she said.
Pudar also represented Bosnia at the Tokyo Olympics, where she set the national record in the 100 m butterfly qualifications.