Hanging on the wall of her room is a collection of medals. The girl with an extra chromosome in her genetic chain has achievements far greater than that.

From very small steps, Medina Surdulli began to see the world without limits.

It was the summer of 2001, during a holiday on the Albanian coast, when she took her first steps toward becoming a champion. At just five years old, she learned to swim with the help of her father.

“With my dad’s support, I learned to swim because I used to have a fear of water. Then I started swimming from the age of five and I liked it. My dad taught me the first steps of swimming, he taught me how to breathe, how to use my arms and how to move my legs. We were on the Albanian seaside and he taught me the first steps there. The sea was very deep and I was afraid something would come out, and after that I had no more problems with water. That’s how my dad taught me the first steps of swimming...”

Even then, her potential was easy to see. To develop her abilities, her parents worked tirelessly, even hiring a coach.

With great enthusiasm, she began training intensively, five times a week.

This is how the girl with Down syndrome remembers her first steps toward success — Medina, whom all of Kosovo knows as a swimming champion.

“I am Medina Surdulli from Prishtina and I am 29 years old. I have trained in various activities, with different engagements, and I have won many gold, silver, and bronze medals. Everyone in Kosovo knows me as a champion like Majlinda Kelmendi. This makes me feel very good and very happy that I am a champion. I have many medals, certificates of appreciation, and trophies. I was also declared athlete of the year in 2012.”

Medina Surdulli was born and raised in Prishtina. She completed her education at the “Përparimi” Resource Center in the capital.

Since 2012, the Kosovo champion has also participated in international competitions. Five years later, she won a silver medal at the European Swimming Championship for people with Down syndrome, held in France.

In 2018, at international competitions held in Kosovo, Medina won two gold and two silver medals.

She also took part in the Winter World Games, held as part of the Special Olympics in Austria. There, she won second place, earning a silver medal for Kosovo.

Medina was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by former president Hashim Thaçi.

She later worked at the “Down Syndrome Kosova” association and at the Kosovo Transmission, System and Market Operator (KOSTT).

Most recently, she works at the “Blendi Group” printing house in the capital.

“My dream was to become a trainer for children with Down syndrome, but that remained only a dream.”

After completing her studies at the “Përparimi” Resource Center, Medina faced discrimination.

Despite many achievements in Kosovo and international competitions, she could not pursue her dream.

“I was sad there [at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport]. They focused more on me than on the others. Because I know how to swim, I know skiing, I know running. I was very upset that I wasn’t admitted to the faculty. I did 20 push-ups and they were amazed, they said ‘wow, Medina is skilled’. My dream was to be accepted into the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport. In the future, other children like me should gain the right to education equal to others so they don’t end up like I did. All rights — in work, education…”

After many achievements and competitions where she won numerous medals, she decided to challenge herself with a combat sport — kickboxing.

She gives life rhythm by performing more than 140 pieces on the piano.

“I’ve been playing the piano since 2010 and I learned the first finger movements to play. I also have many medals in my room that I’ve earned so far. When I see them, they give me the feeling that I am talented and that I am a champion.”

Medina Surdulli, who is 29 years old, wants every child with Down syndrome to be treated equally and never feel limited in their life journey.

“I want all children with Down syndrome to be treated like everyone else. People with Down syndrome need to be empowered.”

Medina Surdulli
June 2025