Few names in modern water polo shine as brightly as Andrija Prlainović. Born in Dubrovnik and raised in the intense rivalry of the Adriatic coast, he became one of the defining players of his generation. Over three decades in the pool, he collected nearly every possible title — Olympic gold, World and European Championships, club triumphs with Partizan Belgrade and Pro Recco, and countless lessons learned along the way.
In this episode of the WET Podcast, Prlainović speaks with openness and reflection about his path — from a young boy watching local heroes to becoming one himself. What follows is not just the story of a champion, but of a man who believes that discipline, humility, and hard work are the true foundations of success.
💬 Highlights from the Conversation
A Tradition That Shapes a Life
Growing up in this area on the coast, water polo wasn’t just a sport — it was part of daily life. “Every kid tried water polo at least once,” Prlainović recalls. The legendary rivalry between neighboring towns inspired generations to take to the water, and for young Andrija, it was impossible to resist. His father, a former national team player for Yugoslavia, never pushed him, but quietly became his first mentor. “It was always my decision to train and to stay in the water for hours,” he says.
“Hard Work Beats Talent”
One of the central themes of the conversation is Prlainović’s belief that commitment and consistency matter more than raw ability. Quoting the line he carries on his Instagram profile — “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” — he describes how discipline shaped every phase of his career. From endless training sessions to moments of disappointment, he always saw effort as the ultimate equalizer.
Learning from Defeat
Prlainović believes that failure is an essential teacher. “There’s only one thing worse than losing — winning,” he says with a smile. “Because when you win, you become satisfied. When you lose, you keep improving.”
He stresses that defeats often give athletes their sharpest motivation, pushing them to refine their game, their mindset, and their hunger to succeed.
A Career Across Continents
His journey took him across Europe and beyond — playing in Serbia, Italy, Hungary, France, Brazil, and Malta. Each country offered new lessons: the tactical sophistication of Italy, the competitiveness of Hungary, the professional culture of France, and the passion of the Balkan leagues. “Everywhere I played, I learned something new — not just as a player, but as a person,” he says.
Among all his club experiences, Partizan Belgrade holds a special place in his heart. It was there, surrounded by his peers from the national junior team, that he forged lifelong bonds. “Those years built the foundation of Serbia’s golden generation,” he recalls. The dream of joining Pro Recco, the powerhouse of world water polo, later became a reality — a highlight that he describes as “a dream come true.”
Giving Back and Staying Accessible
Despite his global success, Prlainović remains deeply connected to his roots. He still lives near the community where he started, making himself available to young players who see him as a role model. “It’s important that kids can reach their idols,” he says. “They shouldn’t only exist on a screen.”
Message to the Next Generation
His advice to young athletes is simple but powerful: enjoy the process. “You can’t make up for the hours you don’t spend in the water as a kid,” he notes. The early years are crucial for development — not just technically, but in cultivating the love for the sport.
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