Dubai: UAE-based Serbian swimmer Velimir Stjepanovic capped off a superb inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore after picking up a second medal in swimming.
Stjepanovic, who helped himself to his first major medal in the 100 metres butterfly at Singapore Sports School last week, went on to win a silver medal in the 100 metres freestyle. The Serbian lad, who turned 17 this month, was timed at 50.25 seconds in his favourite event.
Stjepanovic had claimed the bronze in the 100 metres butterfly with a time of 53.77 secs.
"He has achieved much more than what we expected," beamed Stjepanovic's coach Chris Tidey, under whom he trains at the Hamilton Aquatics Academy here.
Bigger achievements
"We were always hopeful he would do well, but he has far surpassed what we expected of him. He still has another year in this age group and we can definitely expect bigger achievements from him in the future," Tidey added.
The Youth Olympic Games, being hosted for the first time, saw young athletes aged between 14 and 18 compete in 26 sports while also taking part in the Culture and Education Programme during the 12-day Games programme due to conclude on August 26.
Stjepanovic, who was also the flag bearer for Serbia at the opening ceremony, finished the 100 metres freestyle in the time of 50.25 seconds behind gold medallist Medhy Metella from France (49.99 secs). Australian Kenneth To took third (50.29).
Break
Stjepanovic could not be contacted for comment as he was preparing to leave for a short break in Belgrade with his mother, Ana.
"I can walk away with this one bronze medal knowing well that I have achieved what I wanted to. But I will continue knowing well that I can still win more medals," Stjepanovic said after his bronze haul last week.
Coach Tidey was full of expectations given the huge talent shown by his trainee. "It was a tough night for someone as young as Velimir. He had swum in the 200 metres and the medley relay before the 100 metres freestyle, so he was pretty tired," he said.
"But all credit to him in winning two medals at such a major event," coach Tidey said.
Stjepanovic's performance in Singapore has given him access to attempt to qualify for the 10th Fina World Swimming Championships 2010 to be held here from December 15 to 19.
"This will be like a home event for Velimir as he has spent a major part of his life here," Tidey said.
