BELIEF IN MYSELF HAS ENABLED ME TO FULFILL MY PROMISE AND BECOME A CHAMPION!
In Austria he went with a promise for a medal, but won two, and immediately after arriving in Skopje, said: “I promised to become a champion and I became a champion.” These are the words of Bojan Trajkovski, the only Macedonian representative of the 11th Winter Olympics Games (SPI) of the Special Olympics for Persons with Intellectual Disability who took place this year from 14 to 25 March under the slogan “Heartbeat For The World ” in Schladming, Austria. With two won silver medals for Macedonia in the disciplines of Alpine skiing; super giant and giant, Bojan Trajkovski returned to Skopje. For our great pleasure, we had the honor to receive an exclusive interview from Bojan for GlassFull and with him, the new national sports pride, today, April 6, we are marking the World Sport Day.
- At the very beginning, who is Bojan, where does the love for skiing and the desire for the Olympics?
I play football, basketball and swimming, and I got the idea of skiing from my coaches Jovan Jovanovski and Agan Redzepagic. They thought that I would been amused and enjoyed while skiing and they were right.
- How long you were preparing for the Olympics and who are especially grateful for the great success?
The preparations lasted for two months and took place in Skopje and in Mavrovo. From the first swing of the skies to the descent to the black trail in Borovets, there was a lot of falls, but the whole team of Specially Stoned Macedonia and I believed that we could make a success and it proved so.
- With what impressions do you return from Austria?
We’ve done well in Austria. I was flying by plane and I enjoyed the flight. Our delegation was greeted in Vienna and immediately took us to the Zoo, where I was really amused because I love animals. After that they placed us in the host city, Neunkirchen, where the mayor welcomed us with all honors. Athletes at the Special Olympics around the world enjoy all privileges as well as the regular population. I’m so glad that I experienced it.
- How much energy and sacrifice you put to be part of the winning team?
To win, a team is needed, proper nutrition is needed, faith is needed, but conditions are required beforehand. I am happy because I had the opportunity to experience skiing because it is an expensive sport that not everyone can afford. Special Olympics Macedonia allowed me this.
- At what point are you particularly proud of?
I am proud of these medals because they are the result of the efforts invested and the decisive movement of the borders that the society in Macedonia sets daily.
- What is your life motivation to endure and succeed?
I get the motivation every day from my friends with whom I study at the State Secondary School for Rehabilitation and Education “St. Naum Ohridski “, from Ile and Lidija, from my family, from my punch, from the trainings we have with the Special Olympics Macedonia, from the excellent coaching team …
- Can we expect your future great achievement to be particularly proud as a country, something that will be an inspiration for next generations of young people?
These medals that I won, medals that previously or in the future conquer my friends from the Special Olympics are more than inspiration. To live in Macedonia, a country of stereotypes and prejudices and through sport and work to prove the opposite is a source that only gives impetus to endure and continue in this mission, sport and equal rights for all. I hope that in the future, I will have opportunities and to experience skiing with equal passion.
