I discovered kayaking in 2005, when the public swimming pool in Šabac was closed and I could no longer train waterpolo. As a kid who loved ball sports, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else—yet, unexpectedly, I discovered a whole new world.

My first kayaking sessions were anything but easy. Falling into the cold Sava River wasn’t uncommon, but persistence and determination quickly brought me a sense of balance—both literally and figuratively. Within just a month, my strength and endurance were better than ever. I fell in love with the smooth glide across the water, the silence, and the focus that kayaking demands.

Soon after, I joined the junior team of Kayak Club Zorka, and in 2007, I reached the finals of the national championship in the K1 1000m junior discipline. This was followed by training with the senior team, and in 2010, I became the national champion of Serbia in the senior category, competing in the K4 1000m discipline. A year later, I was honored to join the national team of Serbia—the race in which I competed as a finalist at an international regatta in Slovakia, in the under-23 category, remains one of my proudest memories.

Today, although I paddle recreationally, I do it whenever I can. Kayaking helps me stay calm, balanced, and physically active. The water has taught me patience, rhythm, breathing. It has taught me to let my thoughts flow freely. And that kind of wisdom is worth more than any medal.

I’m married and a father of two, who for now are exploring other sports—but I try to teach them that movement is always a good answer. I lead by example, showing them how much physical activity can contribute to health, confidence, and joy.

Between work and family responsibilities, this is my way to stay grounded. To return to myself. Since 2024, I’ve served as president of Kayak Club Zorka—an opportunity to pass on my love for the sport to others.

Each of us has to find our own kind of “water”—whether it's a sport, nature, movement, or anything that helps balance the pace of everyday life. If you’ve never tried kayaking, give it a go—you might be surprised by how much peace it can bring.