Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bosnian and Herzegovinian Olympian Aleksandra Samardzic has clinched a silver medal at the fifth edition of the Sarajevo European Judo Open, held in her home country. The event, which commenced on October 25, 2025, and concluded today, October 26, 2025, saw Samardzic compete in the -70 kilogram category, reaching the final after a series of convincing victories.
A Strong Performance on Home Soil
Samardzic, a prominent figure in Bosnian judo, navigated through tough competition to secure her place in the gold medal match. In the final, she faced Sarah Mehlau of Germany, where she was ultimately defeated in a closely contested bout. Reflecting on her performance, Samardzic expressed mixed emotions, stating, 'It is always nice to climb on the winner's podium, especially if it is an international competition for which the Judo Federation of BiH is the technical organizer and host. I am sorry that the good performance was not crowned with gold but still I am glad because of this success.' She also acknowledged the unique atmosphere of competing at home, noting, 'It's hard to describe what it means to fight here. You feel every cheer, every breath, every heart beating with you. It gives you power, but it's also pressure. You want so badly to make everyone proud, my friends, my federation, my coaches.'
Samardzic's Illustrious Career
Born on September 23, 1997, in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Aleksandra Samardzic has built a remarkable career in judo. She trains at Judo Club Bosna and is currently studying politics at the University of Sarajevo. Her journey includes participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she represented Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her medal at the Sarajevo European Judo Open adds to an already impressive list of achievements:
- Silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in 2014 (in the -78kg category).
- Gold medal at the European Universities Championship in Zagreb in 2023.
- Gold medal at the Balkan Championships in 2022.
- Silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 2017.
- Bronze medal at the Junior European Championships in 2017.
- Bronze medal at the Grand Prix in Zagreb in 2016.
- Bronze medal at the Grand Slam in Baku in 2017.
- Bronze medal at the Grand Prix Upper Austria in Linz in 2024.
This marks her second silver medal at the Sarajevo European Open, having previously won gold in 2021.
Sarajevo European Judo Open and Bosnian Judo
The Sarajevo European Judo Open is a significant event on the European judo calendar, with the Judo Federation of BiH serving as the technical organizer and host. The European Judo Union (EJU) continues to elevate the standards of the competition, attracting elite judokas to the country. Bosnia and Herzegovina boasts a vibrant judo community, with approximately 2,500 judoka actively training and competing across 82 judo clubs nationwide. The Judo Federation of BiH is recognized as the most successful federation in the country among Olympic sports, underscoring the nation's commitment to the sport.
5 Comments
Raphael
This silver medal is a clear testament to Samardzic's consistent high performance and the strength of Bosnian judo. Yet, one can't help but wonder if the unique atmosphere of competing at home added an extra layer of pressure that might have impacted her final match.
Michelangelo
Her career history is truly remarkable, and this silver is another feather in her cap, especially at home. But it also raises the question of how much more could be achieved if there were even greater national support for these top-tier athletes.
Donatello
It's wonderful to see Aleksandra add another medal to her impressive collection, further solidifying Bosnia's judo reputation. However, her own words suggest a slight disappointment, showing she always strives for the absolute best.
Bermudez
Another silver, with her talent, gold should be the standard.
Habibi
She wanted gold, so silver must sting. Not her best.