Another Serb born in America has recently shone in the sports field. Kickboxer Siniša Jović won the gold medal at the USA championship and thus earned a place in the national team at the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship to be held in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Pan American Games in South America.
Jović, who competes in the 178-pound category, was born in High Point, North Carolina, USA, and grew up in Bijeljina and Ohio.
-My family originates from Majevica, for which I have fond memories from the time when I was still a boy. That helped me learn and never forget the Serbian language, although I was born far from my homeland, which I am very proud of. I returned with my family to America when I was 9 years old, says Siniša Jović at the beginning of the interview for Serbian Times.
-I have been training kickboxing since I was seven years old when my mother enrolled me in karate and boxing in Bijeljina. I don’t have idols among athletes, and my only idol was and will remain Jesus Christ. My favorite fighters were Bruce Lee, Fedor Emelianenko, Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr. and Andy Hug.
Although he recently became a US national team member, he says he would gladly trade their jersey for the Serbian national team jersey.
-I would like to compete for Serbia in the future because it is my country, my people. I know that Serbia has excellent kickboxers who win medals at world competitions, so I hope that someone from the local federation will notice me and invite me, says Jović.
GOLD MEDAL: Siniša would like to win them for Serbia one day
He says that he has been following all Serbian athletes since he was a child…
-Đoković is one of my favorite athletes. I also like Jokić, Luka Dončić, whose father is Serbian, and in kickboxing Rade Opačić. I also used to follow Peđa Stojaković and Vlado Divac. Of course, when there are big competitions, world championships and the Olympics, I follow our national teams and cheer wholeheartedly.
When asked how much America cares about so-called small sports like kickboxing, Siniša surprised us with his answer:
-The United States of America is one of the few countries that does not have a Ministry of Sports and does not finance athletes who join their national team. There is no awareness of this and I try to draw attention with my public appearances and I hope that in the future our great country will take more care of all the athletes who represent it.
Since the state does not help him, Siniša Jović has to raise money for travel and competitions himself:
-I am currently looking for sponsors who would help me cover my travel expenses, and in return I would promote their brand at the local, national and international level. I hope that this story will attract the attention of the Serbian community and that someone will recognize their interest in cooperating with me.
THEY CALL HIM “SNIPER”: Siniša is characterized by precise strikes in kickboxing
At the end of the conversation, Siniša wanted to say something to young people who are just starting their sports careers:
-My late grandfather Cvjetko told my mother, and she told me: “Whatever you do in life, be it the smallest or the biggest, do everything with 100 percent love, heart and soul, and everything will be easy and joyful for you.”
Text: Antonije Kovačević; Photo: Private archive
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