When Nikola Jokić was drafted by the Denver Nuggets late in the second round, his selection wasn't even televised. It was announced during a Taco Bell commercial. Nobody in the NBA, not even the Nuggets, expected him to become a three-time MVP. Not even his countrymen and women back home knew he was destined for such greatness.
Jokić is just one Serbian example of an athlete reaching the pinnacle of his or her sport. My country, the nation of Serbia, with a population around the size of New Jersey, has a remarkable knack for producing world-class athletes who shine on the global stage. This is evident in the realm of the Olympics, where Serbian competitors consistently demonstrate that excellence is not a matter of size, but of spirit and dedication.
My country’s ability to produce top-tier athletes extends beyond “The Joker.” Bogdan Bogdanović grew up in a basketball-centric environment. Encouraged to pursue his basketball dreams, he joined the youth teams of Partizan Belgrade, a prominent Serbian club. His talent quickly became apparent, and he progressed through the ranks, eventually making a name for himself in both domestic and international competitions. This solid foundation in Belgrade set the stage for his successful career in professional basketball, both in Europe and the NBA. Now, he will lead our basketball team to Paris as the captain of the team.
Our country’s sports infrastructure, though not as lavish as those in larger nations, is robust enough to nurture talent from a young age.
At the initiative of our President Aleksandar Vucic, investments in sports have become a state priority, resulting in increasing accomplishments by our athletes globally. In addition, any medal-winning athlete is eligible for a record monetary award from the state.
The passion for sports is deeply ingrained in Serbian culture, and this cultural emphasis on physical activity and competition fuels the development of exceptional athletes.
Take, for instance, the world of tennis. My country has seen a meteoric rise in this sport, with players who have dominated the global rankings and won numerous Grand Slam titles—including the best to ever play the sport, Novak Djokovic. As of this writing, Serbia, the small country in the Balkans, has four men ranking in the top 100 of tennis. In the past, three Serbian women have been ranked number one: Monica Seles, Ana Ivanovic, and Jelena Jankovic.
In water polo, Serbia's national team is a force to be reckoned with, consistently performing at the highest levels and securing numerous international titles. In women’s volleyball, our team has won medals in the last two Olympics, and will no doubt try for a third.
Simply put, what stands out about Serbian athletes is their ability to excel despite the odds. They often come from small towns and villages, much like Jokić, where resources are limited, and opportunities can be scarce. However, the support of their families and local coaches play a crucial role in their development. These athletes embody the spirit of our culture.
The success of Serbian athletes on the Olympic stage is not just a matter of personal achievement but a source of national pride and unity. Their victories bring immense joy and a sense of accomplishment to the entire nation. Each medal won is a testament to the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Serbian people.
As we continue to produce world-class athletes, my country's reputation in the global sports arena will only grow stronger. The stories of athletes like Jokić inspire countless young Serbians to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. These athletes remind us all that greatness can emerge from even the smallest and most unexpected places.
Serbia’s impressive track record in the Olympics and other international sports competitions reflects the nation's dedication to nurturing talent and promoting a culture of excellence. From basketball to tennis, water polo to track and field, our athletes consistently demonstrate that they belong among the world's elite. As we look to the future, there is no doubt that Serbia will continue to produce champions who will make their mark on the world stage.
Marko Djuric is the Foreign Minister of Serbia.
