This is the only Kosovar to compete in Olympic skiing games

Albin Tahiri is just one of the Kosovo athletes who was born in other countries, but that fate has wanted Kosovo to represent him at major sporting events. Born in Slovenia, where he currently lives, Albin is dedicated to skiing, and this year he will carry the Kosovo flag at the prepass of participating countries at the Winter Olympics, which from 9 to 25 February will be held at the PyongChang in South Korea.

The Most Important Lifetime

Tahiri is happy and excited about the occasion he has been given. “Since the 2008/2009 edition, I have been competing for Kosovo and since then I have dreamed of being part of the “Olympics, Tahiri says for Insport, adding: “I had met the Vancouver rate in 2010 and later in Sochi, but then Kosovo was not allowed to attend.

However, it was only a matter of time for this dream to come true, and it is finally happening. This means a lot to me because I've been waiting all my life for this moment. It's the best thing that ever happened to me and it's going to be the most important event in my” career.

On the eve of the start of the Olympics, he estimates he is well prepared and hopes in successful presentations. I think I'm well prepared. I had competitions and exercises in Slovenia, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. In this direction, I was supported by the Kosovo Olympic Committee, which has given me a scholarship as well as the Federation of Skies of Kosovo with the necessary equipment. I want to thank them for their support, but also the confidence they have had in me“, Tahiri stressed, announcing there has been a joint activity with other Kosovo skiers, in a race in Krvavec, Slovenia, under the direction of coach Agim Pupovci.

Despite great competition, Albin believes that it can achieve satisfying results. It's obvious that competition is very strong, but the sport is unknown. I will give my best and I believe to achieve any good results, which would make Kosovo proud. Release and alpine combination are my favorite disciplines, and here I expect to perform better“, Tahiri's 28-year-old has expressed.

Proud With Origin

Albin has not hesitated to talk about his origin. My father was born in the village of Glogoc in the Lipjan municipality, and my mother is Slovenian. We have relatives throughout Kosovo and visit the country whenever we can. During the time when the situation was not good, I haven't been in Kosovo for eight years, but now that Kosovo is free, once or twice a year I am in Kosovo“, Albini tells about Insport.

He expresses great satisfaction with the way he was expected in Kosovo. “People are very good and close. I've started speaking Albanian and learning a little bit about Albanian culture. Sometimes I don't understand them very well, but we all go through them kindly and jokingly. In general, Albanians are proud and I believe to make him proud of my presentation at the” Olympic Games, Albin Tahiri said at the end.