We catch up with Serbian swimmer Velimir Stjepanovic to see what makes him tick and what he loves about the sport.

Velimir Stjepanovic (SRB)

Club: Hamilton Aquatics

Date of birth: August 7, 1993

Birthplace: Abu Dhabi

Residence: Dubai

Coach: Christopher Tidey

Favourite stroke: Butterfly/freestyle

PB in best event: 200m Butterfly – 1:54.99, 200m Freestyle – 1:47.00, 400m Freestyle – 3:48.33

Earliest swimming memory: Me going to my first training and crying and not wanting to get in, then the coach proceeded to throw me into the pool!

Idols/Inspiration: Usain Bolt and Novak Djokovic. 

Speedos or board shorts? Speedos, of course.

Nicest venue you’ve ever competed in: London Aquatics Centre during the London Olympics and the Hamdan Sports Complex.

Career highlight/best achievement: Placing sixth at the 200m Butterfly at the 2012 Olympics and becoming the European 200m Butterfly Short Course champion in 2013.

Toughest swim meet to ever be part of: The Olympics is by far the toughest swim meet I’ve ever been to.

Biggest dream/goal in swimming: Win a medal at the Olympics.

Short term goals: To win gold at the European Long Course Championships.

Favourite meal: Lamb chops, mash and salad.

Least favourite part of swimming practice: Nothing, because I know in the long run its benefiting me.

Other sports/hobbies: You don’t have time for other sports as a swimmer.

Coolest person you’ve ever met: Novak Djokovic, because he is so down to earth considering his status – definitely a great role model.

Favourite sporting moment you’ve ever watched: 100m Butterfly final at Beijing 2008 Olympics. It’s the most nail-biting race I’ve ever watched.