In the festive atmosphere of the multimedia hall of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 14th event “Selection of the Athlete of the Year” was held last night, organized by the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina and with the special patronage of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The best BiH swimmer Lana Pudar was declared the Athlete of the Year 2025.
“It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be chosen as the best athlete of Bosnia and Herzegovina this year. This award will certainly be a significant motivation for my further work. Here at the University of Virginia, I work hard and train and represent my country with pride. I am trying to bring many results in the coming period that will make us happy, just like in the previous period. Thank you for your support and trust and for building a better and more beautiful future for Bosnian and Herzegovinian sports together,” said Pudar.
On behalf of the Olympic family of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President of the OKBiH, Academician Prof. Dr. Izet Rađo, addressed the attendees.
“We are here today to celebrate sport, but also to celebrate the values that sport carries: responsibility, dedication, courage and togetherness. These are values that do not belong only to stadiums and halls, they are values that shape society. OKBiH is a place where a different story is written, a story about a better, nobler tomorrow, where every athlete, coach and citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a partner in creating a more humane future. It is our duty, our honor and our path. This year, our champions showed the most important thing: that it is not crucial where you come from, but with how much heart you go forward. You proved that a small country becomes big through big people. And that’s why tonight I say loud and clear: we are proud of each and every one of you. But, as the president of the Olympic Committee, it is my duty to say what is sometimes kept silent: our athletes succeed thanks to themselves, not thanks to the system. That has to change. A country that wants to progress must have a strategy, stable financing, infrastructure, medical supervision, support programs, professional teams and clear rules and criteria. Remember the medal doesn’t just shine on your chest — it shines in the eyes of the people you’ve inspired, years later. Be proud of yourself. Be brave. Be the messengers of a country that needs you, maybe more than you think. Let this night be a confirmation that we are on the right path. Let it be an invitation for the state and institutions to finally stand by those who represent us with pride. And let it be a promise that we will build a sports culture that gives our children a chance to realize their dreams,” said Radja.
