“AN OLD SKILL IS BETTER THAN ANY GYM”: Vuk Wins the “Mowing Wimbledon” for the Fifth Time and Proves He Is the GOAT of Serbia’s Meadows!

The 57th Rajac Mowing Competition, one of Serbia’s most important events dedicated to preserving the country’s intangible cultural heritage, was held on the gentle slopes of Mount Suvobor in the protected Rajac Landscape of Outstanding Features.

“This year, 21 mowers from Serbia and the region competed in the official contest, while around 60 participants took part in the exhibition event. For the fifth time, the winner of the Rajac Mowing Competition is young Vuk Vučković from Preljina near Čačak, who has once again earned the traditional Golden Scythe award.”

Vuk first picked up a scythe before the age of seven alongside his father and uncle and quickly fell in love with the traditional craft.

“I know my peers may have more modern and unusual hobbies, but for me, mowing by hand is number one. Every muscle in your body works—it’s better than any gym. When I was little, people told me I had a natural talent, so I never gave up. My father taught me the first movements, and after that I gained experience through practice,” Vuk told RINA.

His dedication paid off when, at the age of 19, he became the youngest winner in the history of the Rajac Mowing Competition. This year, he successfully defended the title for the fifth consecutive time. He says that the key to a championship-winning cut is not only a high-quality tool, but also physical strength and proper technique.

“A good-quality scythe is the most important thing—it has to be properly sharpened. The first swing is crucial. You step forward with your right foot, then generate the motion partly from your hips and partly from your shoulders. Most of the cutting should be done with the middle section of the blade, not the tip,” the young champion revealed.

At this year’s Rajac Mowing Competition, second place went to Mladen Tomić of Mrkonjić Grad, while Mirko Kecman of Bosanski Petrovac finished third.