Slavko STANISIC is a 68-year-old judoka from Serbia who had collected his 7th veteran European title on the first day of the European Judo Championships Veterans Sarajevo 2024. He is also an 8th Dan and proud holder of six veteran world titles. He is a former police colonel and university professor, currently trains twice a day, dedicating his retirement to judo. Stanisic is also a grandfather of two girls who had a special wish from him.
My grandchildren told me I cannot stop judo, they want me to continue until I have the same amount of veteran European and world titles as my rank, so I have a bit to go to make it 8-8-8 [he laughs]. I never planned when to stop but with that I guess I am going to Las Vegas for the worlds later this year.
Judo has been part of Stanisic’s life for over 50 years and he has his own reasons too to stick around it.
Judo is a very good sport. UNICEF even states judo is a good sport for children age 4-24. Judo teaches humanity. In the police and army in Serbia judo is the first sport.
Whether it be next year or a few years after when he achieves the family goal Stanisic is going to continue to attend at each event alone.
The family wants to join but having them around at events would make me very nervous. – he sums.
Author: Szandra Szogedi