Two More Podiums: Paris 2024 Olympics Bring More Joy to Kosovo Athletes

In less than a week since the start of the Paris Olympic Games, Kosovo has already secured two Olympic medals in judo, out of the nine athletes it has sent to the event.

As judoka Laura Fazliu was leaving the court on Tuesday evening after winning the third place in her category, she rushed to the touchline to give a hug to her coaches Majlinda Kelmendi and Driton Kuka, who were cheering for her in the stands.

Posing for cameras, the three of them waved their hands, signalling for the five Olympic medals judoka athletes brought to Kosovo since 2016 when the country first made it to the Olympic Games.

This year, Fazliu’s bronze was added to Distria Krasniqi’s silver she won two days prior. 

Distria Krasniqi, 28, a former Olympic champion who won gold in the 48 kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, claimed her second Olympic medal, a silver in the 52 kg category, this Sunday.

“It is a very good and special feeling. This has been my dream, to become an Olympic medalist. All the effort and sacrifices have been rewarded with an Olympic medal, and I am very happy,” Fazliu said after she won against Croatia’s Katarina Kristo in a hard fought duel which headed to golden score.

It was a heartbreaking moment for Laura Fazliu as the win was first given to Kristo, who prematurely started celebrations, but the commission’s review soon reversed the decision by removing Kristo’s waza score and replaced it by a devastating third shido, a gripping infringement on the leg.

Fazliu also emphasised the contributions of her coaches Kuka and the support of Kelmendi (Kosovo Olympic Champion) for her win.

Kosovo now boasts a total of five Olympic medals from three appearances since 2016, all earned in judo by female athletes.

Sports journalist Ndrec Gjonaj told BIRN that Olympic medals in judo for Kosovo were anticipated.

“In fact, we expected a gold medal since judo has consistently met expectations at the Olympic Games. These two additional medals are very significant for Kosovo, which currently ranks among the best in the Balkans and beyond,” he said.

Gjonaj believes future success will likely continue in judo, as other sports require more development and investment.

“In the future, we undoubtedly expect Olympic medals primarily through Judo. Other sports still need development, as we lack the necessary facilities, making it impossible to train as effectively as in other Balkan countries and the rest of the world,” Gjonaj further added.

Meanwhile, Mergim Rreci, a sports journalist, stated that the fact that all the medals come from judo should be an “alarm” for all institutions, sports federations, and other responsible actors.

“There needs to be a clear strategy on where we should focus and expect success and where we need to invest, especially in infrastructure. I believe that the sports pride of Kosovo on the international stage will remain in the hands of our judokas for a long time, but it’s time for other sports and athletes to follow the successful historical path of this team,” Rreci stated.

He emphasised that the fact that such a small country, which emerged from a devastating war only two decades ago, has secured five Olympic medals is “a story in itself.”

“There are many larger and more developed countries in every aspect that have not achieved this. Judo is definitely Kosovo’s greatest wealth in sports. It was expected that we would win medals in judo at Paris 2024, and that has indeed happened,” he added.

Majlinda Kelmendi won Kosovo’s first Olympic gold medal in 2016.

Two more gold medals came in 2020 from judokas Nora Gjakova and Distria Krasniqi. However, Nora Gjakova could not defend her title in Paris 2024, and she was eliminated in the first confrontation.

Kosovo’s Olympic team in Olympics 2024 is once again dominated by Judo athletes, with five judokas being part of the team. Leading the list are Olympic champions Distria Krasniqi and Nora Gjakova, followed by Laura Fazliu, Akil Gjakova, and Loriana Kuka, with Kuka still in the competition.

Other athletes representing Kosovo in Paris include Donjeta Sadiku in boxing, who did not secure a medal, Gresa Bakraqi in athletics, and swimmers Hana Beiqi and Adell Saboviq, with Saboviq also concluding his competition.

Loriana Kuka will compete in judo on August 1, Gresa Bakraqi in athletics on August 2, and Hana Beiqi in swimming on August 3.

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti is in Paris supporting the Kosovo team, while President Osmani attended only the initial days of the competition.