Majlinda Kelmendi, the inspiring story of Tokyo 2020 for athletes

Until winning an Olympic medal is a personal goal for thousands of athletes, for 24 states it is a dream that has once been realized.

The official website of the Olympic Games “toyo20.org” recalls the glorious moment and its impact on other athletes, taking the example of Majlinda Kelmendi.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent war, Kosovo athletes did not have the opportunity to compete with their flag at the Olympic Games. This continued until the International Olympic Committee's decision (IOC), which during the 127th session, held on December 9, 2014.

During this session, President Thomas Bach indicated that the Kosovo Olympic Committee will be a full member of IOC and the Olympic family.

It was a dream come true for Kosovo athletes. This decision eventually led the country to compete in the Rio 2016 Olympics, in which our protagonist, Majlinda Kelmendi, shone.

The Golden Time

Twice the world champion in judo and the four-fold European champion Majlinda Kelmendi participated in two Olympic Games, representing two different countries. In London 2012, it represented Albania, while in Rio 2016 Kosovo.

In London, there was a lack of experience, because of which she did not win medals, but her presentation was highly appreciated worldwide.

After London 2012 I received many serious offers from very powerful states. The offer worth millions of dollars”, she told Olympic Channel. “But, ultimately, my coach and I made the decision to stay in Kosovo, despite the difficulties we had”.

This decision paved the way for it to leave untainted traces in Kosovo's Olympic history.

On August 7, 2016, this day will be remembered by Kosovars, since Kelmendi made history winning the women's golden judo medal in the -52kg category of LO Rio 2016, defeating Italian Odette Giuffrieda in the final.

It was Kosovo's first and only Olympic medal.

In the final, I was calm and convinced of victory”, Kelmendi says, returning to the final. The Italian X-rayist was a good racer, but I had beaten him several times before and was convinced of victory”. And so it was.

The Effect of the Golden Medal

The remarkable success Kelmendi achieved in Rio gave many hopes for the people of Kosovo, especially for the new generations. He trusted them.

The flag handle in Rio 2016 explains this with emotion.: “People in Kosovo see me as a hero. I've witnessed to them that if they want anything they can have it. If they want to be Olympic champions, they could be”.

And knowledge didn't end here. Last February, in her hometown of Pec, the September of Kelmendi was inaugurated. The win in Rio has made Majlinda a real investigation into Kosovo.

Kosovo Olympic Committee President Besim Hasani praised Kelmendi's example, saying: “There are many talented young people who tend martial arts. Tyndale's gold medal has greatly motivated them into their” career.

Kelmendi brought a golden influence to her country, while giving people hope and confidence to pursue their dreams. According to Hasani's words: “there are no athletes in Kosovo who believe the European, World Championships or even Olympic medals are not accessible to them”.

The first Olympic medal has already been won by Kosovo, but will there be other medals in Tokyo 2020?