Faris Biogradilić is a successful Bosnian snowboarder and one of the few people in our country professionally dedicated to this sport.
He has been snowboarding for 12 years now and thanks to his efforts he managed to present himself at many competitions around the world.
He is a multiple champion in many disciplines. His biggest successes were achieved at the competition European Youth Olympic Winter Festival where he reached 17th position and his performance at the World Winter Olympics last year where he placed himself at 7th position.
Although it’s a quite expensive sport, snowboard is a sports discipline attracting more and more young people around the world. The interest for it is present in B&H too but it’s still far from some serious level.
“I’ve been in this sport for 12 years now. When I started this story, there were me and maybe ten other snowboarders at the mountain. The number of those practicing this sport is getting bigger but it’s mainly an amateur level. I think Haris Burić and me are the only ones competing outside B&H.” – said Faris.
The lack of finances is, as well as for many other sports, a big problem for snowboard. It’s at the same time the biggest reason Faris doesn’t compete enough and cannot dedicate himself totally to this sport.
“I had Olimpic scholarship for two years and it really helped me. The B&H Ski Federation has also some contributions but this is manly personal money and sponsors.” – said Faris, who, due to the lack of money and some injuries he had, found another life path and is starting to study at the Business Academy. Still, snowboard remains his greatest love and interest.
The biggest success for him was when he was 7th at the World Winter Olympics in 2013.
“This performance meant a lot to me. It was one of the biggest competitions and I achieved one of my best results among 30 competitors from all around the world.”
Faris belives that the young should dedicate more to this sport because it can bring them multiple benefits.
“Snowboard is not just a sport, it becomes a way of living because, when we get to the mountain, we enjoy the view, clean air and we get together with people we care about.” – said Faris.
(Source: Radio Sarajevo)
