Alma Hrnjić: Balancing University Life and a Passion for Athletics

1. Why athletics, a sport that isn’t very popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina? – Beginnings and achievements.

I actually began running in 2015, thanks to the encouragement of my coach, Sead Kondo. At that point I was already 18 years old. Before I officially entered athletics, I only ran at school competitions and that’s where Coach Kondo first noticed me. To be honest, in the beginning I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the sport. He approached me several times after school races, asking if I would consider training more seriously, but due to school obligations and the fact that the only track available at the time was in Koševo , which meant nearly two hours of travel in one direction , because of the public transport, I decided to just run on school competitions. Things changed when I was finishing high school. Coach Kondo told me that a new track will be opening in Nedžarići at the Safet Zajko Center, and asked again if I’d like to start training now that it’ll be much closer for me That was the moment everything truly began. The first years were not easy. It took me almost two full years to adapt to the training load and to genuinely fall in love with the sport. But once I did, running became a central part of my life, shaping me both physically and mentally.

Regarding my achievements, over the years, I’ve had the privilege of representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at numerous international competitions and each of those experiences holds a special place in my career. One of the milestones was competing at the European Cross Country Championships in 2017 in Slovakia, that was my first major international appearance. I also took part in several European Team Championships, held in Malta, Cyprus, North Macedonia, and Poland. Another highlight was the Balkan Championships, where I won the bronze medal in the 3000 m in 2021 a result I’m particularly proud of. In 2021, I was honored to be named the Best Female Athlete in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the senior category. I was also recognized as the Best Sportswoman of the Hadžići Municipality, the Best Female Athlete of Canton Sarajevo for 2021., and received official acknowledgments from the Government of the Federation of BiH for outstanding athletic results.

2. What is your favorite race?

It’s difficult to choose just one, especially considering that I’ve competed in more than 200 races so far. Each of them carries its own story and emotion. However, a few races stand out with particularly meaningful memories. The race in Ljubljana, where I ran 10 km, left a strong impression on me because of its incredible atmosphere and excellent organization. Another special one is the Bokeski Half Marathon, not only is the course stunning, running right along the coastline, but it’s also where I achieved my personal best in the half marathon. I would also highlight the European Team Championships in Cyprus, where I set my personal best in the 3000 m. And of course, one of the most unforgettable moments in my athletic career was competing at the European Games in Silesia, Poland, the emotions, the energy, and the overall experience are something I will always remember. There are many more races I could mention, but these are certainly among the ones that left the deepest mark on me.

3. How do you balance your university responsibilities with your commitments as an athlete?

To be honest, it’s not easy. I live in Sarajevo, and it takes me about two and a half hours in one direction just to get to my university. Still, nothing is impossible when you genuinely want it, the key is good organization and discipline. I also completed a significant part of my training in Mostar, so I constantly had to plan my days carefully to make sure I could meet both academic and athletic commitments. It wasn’t simple, but looking back, I’m truly glad that I managed to balance it all successfully. What made the process even more demanding was the fact that athletics wasn’t the only sport in my life. Before focusing fully on running, I also spent time involved in other sports such as skiing, gymnastics, swimming and several additional physical activities, but  that taught me how to adapt, how to stay organized, and how to keep pushing forward even when the schedule felt overwhelming. I should also mention that my professors played an important role in helping me maintain that balance by showing understanding, professionalism and respect for the effort I put into both my studies and my sports. Their support combined with clear communication and mutual responsibility  made it possible for me to continue progressing academically while training and competing at a high level.

4. You are studying at the Department of Sport and Health – how much does that help you in preparing for competitions?

Studying at the Department of Sports and Health has helped me a lot, both in my training and in understanding my body better. I’ve learned many new things that I now apply directly to my preparation. For example, I gained a deeper understanding of how to plan training cycles more effectively,  knowing when to increase intensity, when to focus on recovery, and how to structure a season in a way that leads to peak performance at the right time.   My studies allowed me to approach training in a smarter, more informed way. I could combine what I was already doing on the track with new knowledge, which helped me grow as an athlete.

5. Why do you think young people should engage in sports?

I believe young people should be involved in sports because it truly has the power to shape you, both physically and mentally. Sports help you develop healthy habits, improve your overall fitness, and strengthen your character. Through sports, you learn discipline, commitment, patience, and how to manage both success and failure Being part of a sport also encourages socialization. You meet new people, learn how to work in a team, communicate better, and build friendships that often last for years. It teaches you responsibility, time management, and how to stay motivated even when things get difficult. Sports also give young people a positive way to deal with stress and emotions. They help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of  achievement , qualities that carry over into school, work, and life in general.