From the special reporter "Vijesti"
One could talk about the life and sports career of Marija Vuković for days, about her beginnings and the mats in the classroom of the school in Cetinje, about the jumps with which she gained the reputation of the "heiress of Blanka Vlašić", about her ups and downs, and above all about her fight and character ...
Today, Marija Vuković, former world junior high jump champion, is a Montenegrin Olympian. She reached the scene that was intended for her much earlier, which, according to all forecasts and talent, she should have entered a long time ago...
She was waiting for herself, she was waiting for her five minutes, she was waiting for the "stars to align", so that she could fly high - to Tokyo.
At the last moment, Marija fulfilled the Olympic standard with a jump of 197 centimeters, and tonight at two o'clock past midnight, our time, she will fulfill her dreams - she will compete at the Olympic Games, try to get out of the qualifications and reach the finals.
"The elation lasted only a short time, I adjusted quickly for what awaits me. I'm enjoying myself, I'm trying to make the most of every moment, I've been training well, all that's left is to take off on Thursday," says Marija Vuković.
Her "target" is a height of 195, two centimeters less than the best result. The final is achievable.
"Nothing is impossible, but above all I expect to enjoy the stadium and do everything to repeat the best result. I have a height of 195 centimeters, I think I'm ready. I just don't let the nervousness affect me. I believe, however, that I will be calm and concentrated, that I will deal with it and show how much I'm worth", emphasizes Vuković.
Maria's Olympic flight was awaited for a long time, years passed, talent that was enormous remained undefined.
"Even though I trained hard all these years, it was as if everything didn't come together. Inexplicable...".
There were moments, she admits, when she thought of giving up.
"I don't even know why I didn't give up, and I had dilemmas and an internal struggle: is it worth it, am I for this... I think that by going to Greece, I got and found everything I needed, and with the support of my family , close people, the Athletic Association and the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, I did not give up.
I wanted to show that I could, to finally live up to expectations, and since 2010 there were rumors that I was ready to go to the Olympic Games. Now everything has paid off, I'm glad I decided to fight".
At 29 - looking his best since competing, not overweight, slim and looking full of confidence. As if she is aware that she is in the best part of her career.
"I guess everything goes with age. I am relieved, self-aware, calm head. I learned a lot from every coach, understood many things related to sports, I have stable thoughts and everything came into its own. I feel that I am now at the peak, and I believe I have something to say at least until Paris 2024. After that, we'll see."
Baršim and Tamberi - our inspiration
The men's high jump brought one of the striking moments of the Olympic Games so far.
After more than 100 years, the gold medal was shared by two competitors. The decision of Mutaz Ess Baršim from Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy not to jump for the first place, but to both receive the brightest award, caused numerous and conflicting comments among sports fans.
While some claim that this is "the biggest farce at the Olympics", others believe that they sent a strong message in the spirit of Olympism, fair play and friendship.
"I think that's the beauty of sport and it's a great gesture. They showed sportsmanship and friendship that lasts for years. For us, Baršim and Tamberi are an inspiration. They went through a lot together, had similar problems and injuries. I'm really glad that shared the gold," says Marija.
The friendship between the rivals on the track is expressed, claims the Montenegrin record holder.
"We've really become friends in recent years, we always make each other happy when we see each other. We realize that each of us is going through the same problems with our heads, training... We encourage and encourage each other - that's the point of sports.
Everything you achieve in competitions is nothing compared to the friendships you make for life. I'm looking forward to competing with the girls I hang out with when we see each other, with whom I'm in contact while we're in different parts of the world."
Bonus video:
