A Life Shaped by Water Polo – Olympic Legend Andrija Prlainović on Career, Discipline & Championships

In this international episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak
with Andrija Prlainović, one of the most successful water polo
players of the modern era, multiple Olympic champion, World
Champion and European Champion with Serbia. We talk about a life
completely shaped by water polo – from childhood in Herceg Novi to
the very top of the global game. Andrija shares how he started
water polo at the age of six, growing up in the unique water polo
culture of Montenegro’s coastal region, where rivalries between
cities like Kotor and Herceg Novi define generations of players.
With his father also being a former Yugoslav national team player,
water polo was in his DNA – yet without being pushed into it. We
talk about his transition into the senior level at just 15 years
old, his formative years at Partizan Belgrade, and how that
generation became the core of one of the most dominant national
teams in history. Andrija explains why team culture, shared
sacrifices and daily competition were the foundation of Serbia’s
golden era. His club career took him across Europe to the biggest
teams in the world: – Partizan & Red Star Belgrade – Pro Recco
(Italy) – Szolnok (Hungary) – Marseille (France) – Radnički
Kragujevac We compare the Serbian, Italian, Hungarian and French
leagues, discussing why Hungary was the most balanced league of his
career and how Pro Recco represents the absolute elite of club
water polo. podcast-22953-waterpolo-expert-… Andrija also reflects
on the mental side of elite sport: – Why losing is often more
important than winning – How pressure shapes champions – Why young
players must learn to fail early – The importance of discipline,
patience and daily work We also speak about: – Childhood
development through endless hours in the sea – Why today’s kids
watch less water polo despite having more access – His Olympic
experiences – Longevity at the highest level – The difference
between young talents and experienced champions Topics of this
episode: – Andrija Prlainović’s legendary career – Serbian &
Montenegrin water polo culture – Early development & family
influence – Playing professional water polo across Europe – Pro
Recco, Partizan & Serbian dominance – Mental strength &
championship mindset – Winning vs. learning through defeat –
Balanced leagues & player development – Youth development &
discipline – Longevity in elite water polo This episode is a
must-listen for players, coaches, parents and water polo fans
worldwide who want to understand what it truly takes to build a
career at the absolute top of world water polo. More about the
podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de