More than a Coach: The Mother-Daughter Team behind Adriana Vilagoš’s success
Spotlight on the rising javelin throw star who is set to glean gold at championships and beyond. Destined for greatness, Adriana Vilagoš is dedicated to refining her skills and pushing her limits.
Born in Vrbas, a local town in Serbia, Vilagoš's journey began with a humble beginning when her physical education teacher encouraged her to try the vortex. This spark of a passion would propel her toward becoming one of the world's most promising javelin throwers.
Vilagoš owes her athletic success to a pivotal figure in her life: her mother. Vilagoš’s strength and ferocity stem from her foundation, the woman who coaches her. After a career in handball coaching, Djerdji transitioned to javelin throw coaching, staying committed to seeking new techniques to ensure Adriana’s progression with every throw.
The mother-daughter team has developed their skills through years of shared learning. Together, they form an extraordinary relationship forged by family, love, and immense belief in each other’s potential. The mother-daughter triumph proved successful from the very start, propelling them to achieve remarkable success together.
The Serbian javelin thrower believes that their deeply rooted connection and open communication not only strengthened their athletic journey but also deepened their bond.
What does javelin throw mean to you?
Athlete: Over the past few years, javelin throwing has become a core part of my life. My favorite moments of the week are when I get to throw, which usually happens twice per week. The sport motivates me every day, despite it being a constant challenge in many ways. I constantly strive to improve my technique and put in the hard work and long hours to achieve the best possible performance. At the end of the day, I simply enjoy the sport—every throw, every training session, every challenge.
You started your athletic career as a handball player before early specialization in javelin throwing. How did transitioning from a team to an individual sport shape your athletic journey?
Athlete: In the beginning, transitioning from a team sport like handball to an individual sport like javelin throwing was challenging. The team spirit naturally decreased, and I no longer shared good moments with my teammates. However, over time, we have built a small javelin-throwing team that I train with. We support each other in training and during joint competitions, so in a way, that sense of team spirit still exists.
That said, individual sports are very different. In competition, no one can help you but yourself. Out there, I rely on my strength. I represent only myself—though my coach, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and everyone else involved behind the scenes play an important role. However, if I perform well, I will have the results that reflect my hard work. So, I would say individual sports come with their positives and challenges.
In team sports, your performance is closely tied to your teammates' performance. You cannot win unless everyone in the team plays well. But when it comes to improving your performance at an individual sport level, progress feels within reach. I have also come to realize that my personality is better suited to an individual sport, as I tend to be more introverted and not particularly social.
Aside from you as the coach, who else makes up the support team?
Coach: To support Adriana's career, we have two physiotherapists, a psychologist, a nutritionist, and sparring partners who collectively make up her support team. I think it is great that Adriana has a strong circle around her that constantly seeks to motivate and accompany her throughout her journey. They are a very dedicated and encouraging group.
When it comes to decision-making, Adriana and I sit down and try to discuss any issue at hand and share our perspectives openly. Communication is a key part of our relationship. From there, we work together to find the best possible solution. It is less about me having control or her making decisions alone. It is about collaborating and arriving at the most reasonable solution as a team.
You received many offers to study in the US under athletic scholarships, but you declined them. What led to that decision, and how has it impacted your path so far?
Athlete: I chose not to attend an American university, despite receiving several scholarship offers. At the time, I had established an academic and athletic system in my hometown. I knew how to balance my education and sports commitments effectively, and my primary goal back then was to achieve strong results in the upcoming athletic season. Therefore, staying home allowed me to remain focused on that objective without having to adjust to an entirely new environment.
Currently, I am attending a private university in Serbia, pursuing a degree in physical education. This setup allows me to continue my athletic career and train for competitions while studying my courses, giving me the flexibility to manage both effectively. My day-to-day routine is quite different compared to the average student since I am committed to my athletic goals alongside my academic responsibilities. During exam periods, for example, I often take exams earlier or later depending on my competition schedule. Fortunately, the faculty is very supportive and accommodating, which makes it easier for me to meet my degree requirements and athletic aspirations.
Can you describe a typical day in your life? What sacrifices have you made to maintain your commitment to the sport?
Athlete: My typical day varies depending on the phase of the year. When I have university, I attend lectures twice a week. My mornings start with a routine that includes a couple of exercises, followed by breakfast. After that, I head to the university campus to attend my classes, return home for lunch, and then go to training.
During some periods of the year, I train twice per day. I wake up, train in the morning, rest, and then train again in the afternoon. When I am preparing for competitions, my schedule changes drastically. I often study between my training sessions, especially during intense periods when I am traveling overseas for sporting events. Leading up to the tournament, we increase the frequency of our training sessions to gradually prepare for the competition.
Over the years, a lot has changed in my routine to help me reach new goals. Sacrifices were made along the way, but many of the habits that support my routine have been instilled in me by my mother from a young age. This consistency has made adjustments feel less demanding and easier to manage. Sticking to my commitments has never been difficult because I always remind myself why they exist in the first place. I have big goals moving forward, and I know this is the path to achieving them. For instance, I maintain a consistent sleep schedule and follow a nutritional plan designed to support my training.
What sacrifices did you make to be able to coach your daughter during her javelin throw career?
Coach: From the very beginning, I saw how incredibly talented my daughter was. We made the decision early on that she would pursue a career in javelin throwing, which required not only a dedicated but also a competent coach. Given the circumstances in our hometown, athletics is not widely popular, and there were no suitable options for Adriana to train with a qualified coach. The coaches were scarce.
I was fascinated by javelin throwing and intrigued to dive deeper into the sport to support my daughter. With my coaching experience from my previous involvement with handball, I felt equipped to step in and take on the role of Adriana's javelin throwing coach. As we started this journey together, the passion I had for the sport and for helping her succeed increased progressively. When the results appeared, it gave me even more motivation to push forward.
It is worth mentioning that I ultimately left behind my professional career as a public prosecutor to dedicate myself full-time to Adriana. While I no longer have as much time to meet with friends or enjoy special occasions, I find fulfillment in learning and mastering the javelin technique alongside my daughter.
To strengthen my coaching abilities, I enrolled in an athletic coaching program, held in a classroom setting, to further build on my foundational skills. My goal was to provide Adriana with the same experience, time, and dedication a hired coach would have provided her with. Now, my full attention is devoted to Adriana and her development in javelin throwing, and I am committed to ensuring she has all the support she needs to succeed.
For an athlete, a coach plays a crucial role in shaping their career and guiding their success. You made the unique decision of having your mother as your professional javelin coach. What led to that decision?
Athlete: During my first vortex competition in 4th grade, my mother attended the event to offer her support, alongside my physical education teacher. At the time, no one else in the crowd was there for me. I vividly remember the day I won and instantly qualified for the following competition. It was a turning point—I realized I needed to train for the upcoming event.
Back then, I was competing under the name of a club, but I did not have a coach specializing in javelin throwing. So, after considering our options, we made the unique decision of having my mother step in as my coach. What started as a hobby on our off days quickly grew into something more serious. During family holidays, we would find open spaces and say, “Let's practice here for the Vortex.” Although we trained in a casual setting, the results came flooding in.
From there, we took our training to the next level in preparation for the 33-meter competition, where I ended up throwing 79 meters. I owe my success to the both of us. We did it together. We would watch videos of throwers and analyze their techniques and styles, then go out and replicate what we saw. Training for the vortex was relatively simpler compared to the technical demands of javelin throwing. The vortex is pretty light in weight, so when you throw it, it will fly with less effort. But the javelin, on the other hand, has its challenges. You can accidentally hit yourself in the back or even pull your hair. Therefore, mastering the technique for javelin throwing was much more difficult due to the high precision and skill required. Yet, together, we overcame the learning curve and improved my technique.
How did you develop your coaching skills, and what tools or resources have been most helpful in this journey thus far?
Coach: At the time, I was juggling both my public prosecutor job and learning javelin throwing, and there was so much knowledge I had to acquire. I read many books, watched exercise videos, and TV broadcasts to learn and improve as a coach and to specialize in javelin throwing. Essentially, I started with the basics and slowly built my way up. I would then integrate what I had learned into our routine. From there I would design a program tailored to Adriana. After practice, we would discuss what went well and what did not. It was more of a trial-and-error process. At the end of the day, what mattered most was how Adriana felt. She provides feedback, and we rationalize from there for the upcoming training day.
I have been fortunate to have a strong circle of coaches and mentors around me—people I could turn to for advice, exchange ideas with, and learn from. One of them is Ivica Jakelic, who works with throwers at Aspire Academy and trains the Polish Olympic hammer throw champion. I have also really enjoyed talking to László Eperjesi from Hungary, who constantly offers valuable insights and exercises. In addition, I had the opportunity to briefly work with a Czech coach, from whom I picked up new perspectives. Among the Serbian coaches, I must highlight Stojic Slobodan, who introduced me to the fundamentals of weightlifting, and Dragisa Djordjic, who gave me a book along with a set of interesting exercises to begin with. Documenting our training plans also proved extremely useful. It helped us track performance and identify what worked well and what did not. I do all this work because I want Adriana to have the best possible technique and achieve outstanding results.
What has it been like being coached by your mother? In what ways has the mother-daughter relationship impacted your experience in sports, both personally and professionally?
Athlete: As a former handball coach, she brought us a strong foundation, which consisted of a structured routine and a more disciplined approach, which helped us build our training from the ground up. My mother had a deep understanding of physical preparation and warm-up techniques, and she continued to educate herself further on javelin throwing. We continue it like a family routine.
What truly impresses me is how much knowledge my mom has accumulated over the years. Day by day, she is still learning and improving her understanding of javelin to better support my progress. She shares that knowledge with me, so in many ways, we are learning together. But throughout this journey, my mom always had a clear vision.
If I were to receive a call from the world’s top javelin throwing coach, offering to train me for the Olympics, I would still choose to train with my mother. We share a unique bond and a vision that we discuss and work towards together; I want to achieve these goals with my mom by my side. While I respect the expertise of other coaches, I believe that having my mother is the best fit for me. Integrating a new coach and building techniques from scratch could be difficult to integrate, and that could potentially affect my performance. So, without hesitation, I would choose my mother every time.
What inspires you to continue your dual role as mother and coach?
Coach: What inspires me the most is her happiness. I want Adriana to feel fulfilled and proud of her progress. When she makes good progress and sees results, I can see how satisfied she becomes, and that in turn motivates me to keep going. I hope she earns more medals and achieves great results, but above all, I want her to be truly happy. That is what matters most to me, as a mother and as a coach.
Do you find it easier or more difficult to receive guidance from a family member compared to a traditional coach?
Athlete: My mother and I are both very goal-oriented. I have always been used to listening to her commands and following her instructions, so there were no issues with her guidance. Because she is my mother, I feel more comfortable opening up to her. I can express things I might not feel comfortable enough to share with a traditional coach. That said, it is not always easy. There are moments of tension, especially when I return home from a tough training session where we are both dissatisfied with the results. So, arguments do tend to happen. At the end of the day, we always find a way to resolve things professionally and recenter our focus towards our shared goal.
I would argue that during competitions, having my mother as my coach is truly a blessing. She knows exactly how to calm me down and speak words of motivation to encourage me further. She takes on the role of both a mother and a coach, and having that kind of exceptional support gives me immense strength in a way that no one else can offer.
Is it difficult to distinguish between the roles of mother and coach in your relationship? How do you maintain a balance between the two roles?
Coach: Competitions can be challenging at times. When things are going well, I feel twice the joy—both as a mother and as a coach. But when they do not, the difficulty doubles. In those moments, I must remain strong and offer my full support, no matter how I feel. What helps me navigate those tough situations is how well I know Adriana. I understand her deeply not just as an athlete but as a person. So, I can quickly recognize what is going wrong and react accordingly. I know how far she can push herself on any given day. I can identify issues and find solutions to the situation at hand.
When the competition does not go well, and other athletes go home to rest and reset, Adriana comes home with me. She tends to show more nerves outwardly, and during those difficult periods, I strive to be the steady source of hope and motivation for both of us, to keep our engine going. Adriana also places immense trust in me, and she shares the vision I have for her. I am her support system and technical coach, so in a way, it is double the responsibility but also double the reward.
It took 3 years of hard work to increase your throw landing from 62 to 64 meters. How did you develop the power and speed needed to reach this milestone?
Athlete: When I turned 18, I needed to shift my focus toward weightlifting. Over time, it has become a core part of my training routine to build muscle and generate the power needed for landing greater distances. For my career, jumping from a 62 to 64-meter record was a milestone. At that time, it would have been recognized as a junior world record and that was my main goal for 3 years. I would wake up every day and remind myself why I was training. The answer was to reach 64 meters. Once my ankle and later my elbow healed, I was able to perform better again at training. I would say that the biggest challenge along the way was dealing with injuries. By the end of 2022, I had surgery on my left ankle, which became an obstacle. Because of the pain, I could not train my lower body. So, there was no jumping or running involved for a significant period. Eventually, I had to pick everything up from the beginning and gradually put it all together. It is easy to neglect an element or two, and even more difficult to spot the mistakes. However, I always strive to push myself to remain 100% focused and give my full effort.
During the European Championships in Italy, I finally reached the 64.42m national record. I was in disbelief. After chasing that mark for 3 years, I had finally done it. By the end of the competition, I was tired due to the overwhelming stress before the throw. After two throws, I was in 9th position, and if I had not delivered a strong third throw, I would have been eliminated. The following competition went well, but I would say that jumping from 62m to 64m was a challenging feat.
The relief was overwhelming, not only because I made it to the top 9th position and won silver, but also because I hit the 64m record. Just moments later, we celebrated this successful milestone with pizza. I vividly remember also feeling a strange sense of emptiness. I had been anticipating that exact moment for so long, and now it is behind me. It was time to shift my focus again toward the next goal that we were after.
What lessons have you learned from working closely with Adriana as an athlete and a daughter?
Coach: I have gained a wealth of knowledge and insights from my close collaboration with Adriana, especially regarding her hard work and dedication. Adriana is a fierce competitor until the very end. I was amazed by how resilient and determined she remains under pressure and during challenging times. When Adriana sets her sights on a goal, she is ready to make significant sacrifices to achieve it. For instance, before the nutrition program, she would occasionally snack, but now she adheres to a structured eating schedule, showcasing her discipline and commitment to supporting her training needs. I also learned how to coach an individual sports athlete. Unlike my experience in handball coaching, I needed to communicate with Adriana to identify what works best for her. For example, if we have training scheduled for the next day, it is crucial to understand how she feels. Is she tired or not? Can I push her harder? Additionally, I must continue to learn and stay updated about the latest javelin-throwing techniques to provide her with the best guidance.
What are some of the most prominent challenges you have faced?
Coach: One of the most prominent challenges I have consistently faced is keeping Adriana healthy, both physically and mentally. This has always been a top priority. Injuries can set an athlete back immensely, so we do everything in our power to avoid injuries as much as possible. My goal is to always keep her in good shape and fully prepared when it is time to compete, especially during important events like the championships or the Olympic Games.
Another ongoing challenge has been the lack of appropriate sports facilities, equipment, and technology. These are essential tools in an athlete's training and development, yet they have not always been accessible to us. It is something that we have to navigate repeatedly and make the situation work in our favor. For now, we make the most of what we have. We are utilizing a sports hall in an elementary school, a gym, a football stadium for its javelin track, and the 80-meter tartan lane at the TSC football academy.
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a high-level athlete in Serbia? In what ways has the country and its people been supportive of your incredible achievements?
Athlete: Javelin throwing in Serbia is not widely popular. In 2014, we had a Serbian javelin thrower who placed second at the European Championships. After she finished her athletic career, interest in the sport faded. When I began training, in all of Serbia, there were only ten girls throwing javelins and participating in competitions. It has been incredible to witness how things have changed. Perhaps, due to my results, today nearly 30 young girls are training in javelin, and I hope that number continues to grow. I want to inspire more young people to consider javelin throwing. I hope they can feel the same joy for the sport that I do, and it becomes a universal source of happiness among us.
After the 2024 Paris Olympics, I gained a lot of praise and support from my country. Despite not winning a medal, knowing they were proud of me meant so much. Their belief in me is unwavering, and this is something I will always carry with me on the global stage.
As javelin throwing was not popular in Serbia, we lacked access to adequate training facilities. Despite these circumstances, many individuals were trying to make ends meet, and I am grateful for that kind of support. Throughout this journey, the Serbian Athletics Federation and the Olympic Committee have been extremely supportive by constructing appropriate facilities.
What advice would you give young athletes in different sports disciplines who have ambitious dreams like you?
Athlete: My advice to young athletes across all sports disciplines is to truly find themselves within their discipline. It is crucial that they feel comfortable and have a deep connection to the sport, ideally something they dream of doing. That may sound simple, but it is only the beginning. To achieve big dreams, you must put in a lot of hard work. Every sport requires immense discipline and dedication, and I think these qualities are fundamental for young athletes to develop early on. Sports have so much to offer to kids. They teach valuable life lessons. If someone is capable of training when they do not feel like it, and they persevere regardless of the circumstances, they are capable of achieving what they set their minds on. That mindset goes beyond sports and applies to life as well. When you are determined and focused, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
What advice would you give to parents who are considering taking on the role of becoming their child's coach to support their athletic journey?
Coach: If there are parents out there who are considering taking on the role of coaching their child, I would say that you must support your child fully in every way possible. If a qualified coach is available, trust and take the coach. But if there is no coach around, then yes, step in. Take on the role but do so with commitment and ensure that you are progressing within their field. I always say, watching sports is not enough. Coaching an athlete requires real effort, and you must have the desire to improve alongside your child.
Beyond competitive sports, I strongly advise all parents to encourage their kids to do physical activity. Sports are not only good for your child's health, but they also boost strong bonds. All parents must dedicate time to playing sports with their children. When Adriana was younger, we used to play together for at least an hour every day. So, sports were a big part of our lives, and it remains that way today. If your child shows talent and potential like Adriana, stand behind your child and offer your full support. Do not be afraid of the challenge. It is easy to say but difficult to put into practice. Coaching your child can be incredibly rewarding, but it is also demanding. You can learn to be a coach, but even with all that effort, there is no guarantee of reaching the top. What matters most is the journey of you accompanying your child.
Is there something I did not ask that you would like to share?
Coach: Yes, I would like to share a bit about our recent experience in Doha. We spent a month of winter training at Aspire Academy, and I must say, the facilities and equipment available were impressive. A year ago, Aspetar played a pivotal role in Adriana's recovery by treating her elbow injury. The medical support we received was efficient and professional. Over the past two years, we have been extremely satisfied with our journey in Qatar, and we hope to return in the future.
Fai Al-Naimi
Nebojsa Popovic MD, PhD
Photos on pages 262, 266, and 267 by Nasim Al Abbi