A story that inspires comes from Vršac. Dušan Knežević, an eighteen-year-old student at the Sports Gymnasium, was born with a severe deformity of his right foot. However, that did not prevent him from becoming one of the best young para-athletes in the world.
For many, a congenital severe foot deformity would mean a life full of limitations. For Dušan, it was the start of the path to the top. His last great success was achieved at the Senior World Para-Athletics Championships, held recently in New Delhi, where he took 4th place in the 200-meter race, missing a medal by only 17 hundredths of a second, and that as a debutant and by far the youngest competitor, still with junior status.
Dušan Knežević, para-athlete, says: “I did not know what to expect before the first qualifications, I think that was convincingly my toughest race, because I did not know where I stood, and then when I saw how much I could do, I had self-confidence and I knew that I could achieve a lot and that I should not doubt myself.”
Although born with the diagnosis, this young man grew up with the determination to succeed.
Dušan explains: “I had that surgery at birth and it was partially resolved, but my foot is one size shorter. I have very poor foot flexion and my right leg is 30% weaker than my left. I think everything is in the head and the perspective you have of yourself. Generally, I never looked at myself as a para-athlete and I never looked at myself as a person with a problem, I always competed with regular athletes and I have a couple of medals from national championships and it was only a matter of time until that effort paid off.”
Dušan travels from Vršac to Belgrade for training 3 times a week, alongside regular schooling and without systemic support. Despite the challenges, this young athlete says that obstacles exist only if we allow them to stop us, and he already has high goals set for himself.
Dušan adds: “One goal would be to win a medal at the European Championships next year and, of course, to fight for a medal in Los Angeles at the Paralympic Games in 3 years, which I think is entirely possible. Those are the goals, so we shall see.”
In a time when many give up due to smaller obstacles, Dušan’s story reminds us of what perseverance means. He does not seek pity, he seeks the opportunity to run. To represent his country. To inspire.
MORE TOPICS:
CRTA: The student list is supported by 12 percent more citizens than Vučić’s!
Source: RTS; Photo: Printscreen RTS