Marija Vuković named best female athlete in the Balkans

Montenegrin high jumper Marija Vuković has been named the best female athlete in the Balkans for 2026 by Balkan Athletics. The announcement follows a season in which she secured bronze at the European Championships in Birmingham, defended her gold medal at the Mediterranean Games, and placed third at a meeting in Zurich.

Vuković expressed frustration regarding her exclusion from a competition in Budapest, noting that despite being ranked eighth on the World Athletics list, she did not receive an invitation. She suggested that the selection criteria were unclear, as a special invitation was granted to a lower-ranked athlete.

Reflecting on her career, Vuković noted that she has improved her personal record three times this season. She also shared her feelings regarding the recognition she receives abroad compared to her reception in Montenegro, stating, “It hurts me that people respect me in the world, but when I come home, it is not quite like that.” Her future goals include competing in the Los Angeles Olympic Games, provided she remains injury-free.