Marko Ma\u017ear, the sole representative of Serbia at the World Winter Swimming Championship in Finland, achieved impressive results. He competed in the 50-meter freestyle event and the shorter 25-meter distance, finishing third in his group and 15th overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although not a professional swimmer, Ma\u017ear stood shoulder to shoulder with world and Olympic champions, as well as Guinness record holders. He proudly represented Serbia, and many believe that the name of the young man from Belgrade will continue to rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the 50-meter race, Ma\u017ear had a strong start and kept pace with his competitors, but halfway through he experienced problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCramps hit my quadriceps, something that\u2019s never happened before. We assume it was a combination of swimming the first 25 meters too hard and the extreme water conditions \u2013 minus 0.5 degrees, while the temperature in Oslo was minus 20 degrees. Some competitors collapsed and barely survived,\u201d Ma\u017ear told Sportski \u017eurnal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n