At the “beginning” of my international swimming career eight years ago, I was telling myself that one day I would turn 24, and that I would be in the prime of my swimming. It was hard being a 16-year-old who was going to the 2000 Olympics because I was a 3rd year high school student who knew very little about himself or about life. Around this age of course you’re in the process of growing physically and mentally, both as a man and an athlete. I think confusion and insecurity are two good words to describe that period in history for me. The good thing is a lot has happened since I was 16 years old and all of those things have helped prepare me for the situation that I will be facing in two and a half months from now. I spent 5 years of my life at one of the greatest universities in the world and I went from 175 lbs in high school (79kg) to 215 lbs (97kg) and grew about 5 inches (12cm) in height! I have traveled around the world and raced hundreds of times, and I wont even bother to explain the amazing things I have learned along the way.

Well, that day has finally come, I’m finally 24 years old, and all I could say is, I’m a whole lot less confused than ever before! I’m stronger and smarter than ever before… I think its going to be a good year for me.

For those of you who have been to the upper Florida Keys, you know how uneventful this place can get. But, the nice thing is I’ve got a lot of great friends and teammates here doing this training camp with me, and I’m very fortunate to be able to spend my birthday with them… I think a barbeque and trip to a nightclub is a fine way to start this great age! 

A few days have gone by since LEN has released it’s disciplinary decision on my actions, and I have to admit that I am completely blown away with all of the support I’ve been getting. I’ve been doing my best to respond to all emails sent to me, along with all the Facebook messages I have received… and although it may take more time, I am trying my best to respond to as many as I possibly can! The support has given me a new strength and motive to be the greatest swimmer and man that I can be.

Your reactions are exactly what I’ve been talking about and this is the way we need to be. Be positive and unite when we are weak! Only together are we strong, and only strong can we move forward. My t-shirt at the European Championships has been spoken of as scandalous and misplaced, but if you understood my actions in this way, I regret to inform you that this isn’t about war, or to provoke violence. “KOSOVO IS SERBIA” is what I feel. It is in our history and a part of who we are. The Serbian government has fallen apart, and is in the process of re-election and being re-assembled. My point is that we have to take what we have in common, and work together in rebuilding our country… but this time, whatever the people decide we should do, we should do it together!

It was my personal duty as an ambassador of Serbia to express myself and to express my support for my people. This isn’t about the rest of the world. If I cared to upset you, my shirt would have been in English. If you’re looking for an apology, then you should probably write an email to someone who has committed a real crime. There are evils in this world which really threaten our safety and security, and really deserve more attention than they’re already getting… I leave it to you to decide which battles you choose. My battle is with pain and misery in Serbia. What’s yours?

Remember, there is no such thing as bad people, only bad leaders. I dont care where you're from - EVERYONE WANTS JUST TO BE HAPPY… what are you doing to ensure this? I hope I did my part to uplift my people… and I will never regret this action.

Thank you all once again for your support!

- Milorad Cavic