Like many athletes, Majlinda Kelmendi realised a sporting dream by competing at London 2012. But another, perhaps more important, aspiration remains sadly unfulfilled: the ambition to compete at the Olympics for her own country.
Whereas every one of Majlinda’s competitors sported uniforms adorned with three letter code that signifies their country of origin, Majlinda did not. The badge on her chest was not the badge of her nation. In May this year, the IOC decided that Majlinda could not compete for Kosovo at London 2012. If she wanted to fight, it had to be under the flag of Albania. Many athletes from Kosovo – who don’t have a second passport like Majlinda – do not get to compete at all.
Yesterday, I had the honour of hosting Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and President Atifete Jahjaga at the Olympic Judo event at the ExCel Centre. We were there to support Majlinda. While Majinda was unlucky to be knocked out in the second round, her President and Prime Minister were extremely proud of her performance. At 21 and ranked in the world’s top ten, she remains a great hope for the future.
Majlinda had fought hard for the right to compete under the Kosovo flag, even resisting lucrative offers to fight for other nations. The BBC followed her story as part of its World Olympic Dreams series. While her strength and determination were on display at the Excel centre, it was nothing compared to the bravery of the eight year old Majlinda who took up judo in 1999 in the midst of violent conflict that had largely destroyed her home town.
In many ways, Majlinda’s resolve is representative of how Kosovo’s young population has fought over the years – first for independence and now to be accepted on a global stage. Like Majlinda – already a junior world champion, Kosovo is making progress. Almost half of the 193 UN Member States have joined the UK in recognising Kosovo’s independence. It is now firmly on the path towards EU membership. And, sticking with the sporting theme, FIFA recently decided that Kosovo’s national football team can play friendly matches against its members.
Like many, I felt such great personal pride in seeing Team GB team walk out behind Sir Chris Hoy and the Union Flag at the Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday evening. However I was reminded of Majlinda’s journey. It is a great pity that she was unable to walk behind the flag of her own country – the country for which she has such hope and passion.
Britain is a strong supporter of Kosovo’s irreversible progress as an independent and democratic country. We will remain unflinching in our efforts to see it fully integrated into the international community. So while it was not possible for Majlinda at London 2012, I firmly believe that Majlinda and other Kosovan athletes will walk out under the gold and blue of Kosovo at Rio in four years time.