A Serbian hurdler who won several national championships and set multiple records in the 110-meter hurdles event. Known for his impressive athletic achievements in the 1960s and 1970s.
Emir Bekri, born on March 14, 1991, is a Serbian athlete who has etched his name in the annals of hurdling history, holding the Serbian national record for the 400 meters hurdles. This talented athlete is celebrated for being the first male track and field athlete from Serbia to win a medal at the IAAF Outdoor World Championships.
Bekri's journey to stardom began when he won a bronze medal at the 2011 European Athletics U23 Championships in Ostrava. He then went on to break the national record in the semifinal of the 400 meters hurdles at the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, defeating Jeshua Anderson, who later won the gold medal.
At the 2012 European Championships, Bekri broke the national record again in the semifinals, securing a silver medal in the final. His impressive performance continued at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he broke the Serbian national record for the 400m hurdles for the third time, clocking 49.21 seconds.
The pinnacle of Bekri's success came at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Moscow, where he won the bronze medal and set a new national record with a time of 49.05 seconds.
Bekri was born to a Bosnian Muslim father and a Serbian Orthodox Christian mother. He has a sister named Sena and identifies as an Orthodox Christian. He credits his faith and Orthodoxy as playing a significant role in his career, providing him with the strength and motivation to overcome obstacles.
Bekri is coached by Mirjana Stojanovi, a renowned athletics coach. Under her guidance, he has been able to refine his technique and push himself to achieve new heights.
Emir Bekri's success has inspired a new generation of Serbian athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. His achievements have also brought pride to his country, solidifying Serbia's position in the world of athletics.
Bekri's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and faith, showing that even in the face of adversity, one can rise to the top with determination and a strong support system.
