A Serbian water polo player who won two Olympic medals and was named World Player of the Year in 2005. He is a highly decorated athlete in his sport.
Aleksandar Ćotar is a Serbian water polo legend, renowned for his exceptional goalkeeping skills that propelled the FR Yugoslavia and SFR Yugoslavia teams to numerous Olympic and international triumphs. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Ćotar is a two-time Olympic medalist, winning gold at the 1988 Seoul Games and bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Born on January 21, 1964, in Niš, Serbia, Ćotar's early life was marked by his family's strong ties to the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA). His Croatian father, Stjepan Ćotar, was an employee of the JNA, while his Serbian mother hailed from Niš. Growing up in Belgrade, Ćotar's passion for water polo was ignited at a young age, and he went on to join Partizan, one of Serbia's most prominent water polo clubs.
Ćotar's club career was a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication. He played for several prominent clubs, including Partizan (1981-1992), Posillipo (1992-1994), Budvanska Rivijera (1994-1996, 1996-1997), and Barcelona (1994-1996). His stints with these clubs earned him numerous accolades, including two NIS Naftagas/Beej titles (1997-2001) and a FTCVMAX title (2001-2002).
Ćotar's Olympic career was nothing short of spectacular. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, he was instrumental in Yugoslavia's gold medal win, and 12 years later, he helped FR Yugoslavia secure a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. These achievements solidified his reputation as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of water polo.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Ćotar was declared Athlete of the Year and Sportsman of the Year in Yugoslavia in 2001. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of water polo.
After retiring from active competition, Ćotar continued to contribute to the sport, taking on leadership roles that demonstrated his commitment to promoting water polo. He currently serves as the President of the Water Polo Club Partizan and the President of the Sports Federation of Serbia. Through these positions, Ćotar remains a driving force in the development of water polo in Serbia and beyond.
Aleksandar Ćotar's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of water polo. His unwavering dedication, exceptional goalkeeping skills, and leadership have inspired generations of water polo players. As a proud ambassador of Serbian water polo, Ćotar's legacy continues to inspire and motivate athletes around the world.
