Mike, Jonas, and Jan have returned to eastern Switzerland bearing gold and silver medals from the Special Olympics Judo Open in Sarajevo. The delegation’s campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina pitted the three athletes against an international field, culminating in podium finishes across their respective brackets.
Sarajevo Podium Finishes for Rheintal Judokas
Jonas and Mike each secured silver medals in their divisions, while Jan captured the gold medal. Family members report that the athletes arrived home carrying diverse hardware, lasting memories, and endless stories from the trip.
«As Mike already said, history was made,» father Sascha Hasler stated regarding the team’s performance. «They simply cannot stop talking about it. Participating in such a large event was a fantastic experience for everyone.»
Round-the-Clock Support and Delegation Logistics
While the judokas remained the primary focus of the journey, the daily logistics and travel support relied entirely on accompanying parents and coaching staff. Trainerin Cecilia and other support personnel utilized personal time and vacation days to accompany the athletes to Sarajevo, providing round-the-clock supervision both inside the competition hall and at the hotel.
Cultural Exploration in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The itinerary extended far beyond athletic competition. Organizers intentionally built an extra day into the schedule to allow the athletes to tour the host city, experience local culture, and explore a foreign country outside of the venue environment.
Prioritizing Personal Growth Over Medal Counts
Support staff emphasize that while the Sarajevo tournament marked a significant milestone, the primary emphasis remains on participation and personal growth rather than medal tallies alone.
«The main thought is not the win, but simply taking part in an event,» Hasler noted. «However, you don’t just get a medal. You clearly have to achieve something and perform.»
Building Toward Future International Calendars
Plans for future athletic engagements are currently in development. Participants view the Sarajevo open as an initial step toward larger international events on the calendar.
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