We catch up with Serbian swimmer Velimir Stjepanovic to see what makes him tick and what he loves about the sport.
Velimir Stjepanovic (SRB)
Club: Hamilton Aquatics
Date of birth: August 7, 1993
Birthplace: Abu Dhabi
Residence: Dubai
Coach: Christopher Tidey
Favourite stroke: Butterfly/freestyle
PB in best event: 200m Butterfly – 1:54.99, 200m Freestyle – 1:47.00, 400m Freestyle – 3:48.33
Earliest swimming memory: Me going to my first training and crying and not wanting to get in, then the coach proceeded to throw me into the pool!
Idols/Inspiration: Usain Bolt and Novak Djokovic.
Speedos or board shorts? Speedos, of course.
Nicest venue you’ve ever competed in: London Aquatics Centre during the London Olympics and the Hamdan Sports Complex.
Career highlight/best achievement: Placing sixth at the 200m Butterfly at the 2012 Olympics and becoming the European 200m Butterfly Short Course champion in 2013.
Toughest swim meet to ever be part of: The Olympics is by far the toughest swim meet I’ve ever been to.
Biggest dream/goal in swimming: Win a medal at the Olympics.
Short term goals: To win gold at the European Long Course Championships.
Favourite meal: Lamb chops, mash and salad.
Least favourite part of swimming practice: Nothing, because I know in the long run its benefiting me.
Other sports/hobbies: You don’t have time for other sports as a swimmer.
Coolest person you’ve ever met: Novak Djokovic, because he is so down to earth considering his status – definitely a great role model.
Favourite sporting moment you’ve ever watched: 100m Butterfly final at Beijing 2008 Olympics. It’s the most nail-biting race I’ve ever watched.
