Vladimir Gajic is one of the most titled Serbian Sambo wrestlers, the winner of the silver medal of the European Championship and the bronze medal of the European Games. His interview to the newspaper «Argumenty nedeli", is presented on the website of the European Sambo Federation. We offer you excerpts from this conversation.
- Vladimir, tell us, when did you become involved with Sambo?
— Long ago. At first, like most kids, I did everything in a row. At one time, I was fond of volleyball, I was engaged in it almost 2 years, but I quit. My father introduced me to wrestling: he was engaged in judo and brought me to this sport in the early 2000s. And already in 2006 I participated in the first Sambo competitions. It turns out that I came to self-defense without a weapon almost 15 years ago...I can't believe it!
— Serbia's Sambo has a rich history dating back to Yugoslavia. How does interest in this sport change in the country over the years?
— Of course, the interest is growing, there is no one in Serbia who has not heard about self-defense without weapons. This is due to Tatiana Trivic, President of the Sambo Federation of Serbia, who has done a great job and made our sport recognizable. Given the high competition among combat sports, it was not easy. We are on local TV channels, being interviewed by media, and we promote our sport in every possible way.
— What are the main achievements of Serbian Sambo players in recent years?
— It may sound immodest, but nowdays there are two successful sambo wrestlers in Serbia: Ivana Jandric and me. The most valuable medal for me is the “silver” of the European Championship. I am also proud of the bronze medal I won at the 2019 European Games.
— From the height of your own achievements, what advice would you give to novice athletes?
— First of all, I want to address the parents of these children. Take a break from work, from the daily routine and take care of the children who need attention. I know that sometimes it is difficult to find understanding with teenagers, that they often say "leave me alone, I know better", but the only thing you can do is pay attention to them. Show by your example how important sport is, practice together. Giving a child a phone is not the best solution.
Read the full version of the interview on the website of the European Sambo Federation
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