Every champion’s story begins with a single step, or in Edna Šunjić’s case, a single swim stroke.
Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in 2025. Edna competed with determination and grace; she achieved second and fifth place, continuing to make her country proud.
Edna Šunjić’s journey started at the Sport Games Oaza, where she finished one of her earliest swimming races with joy and determination. It was one of many moments that marked the beginning of a life filled with sport, creativity, and leadership. From swimming to skiing to table tennis, Edna has always embraced movement and challenge, discovering new strengths with every experience.
On the snowy slopes, guided by her coach Adnan, she found not only a love of skiing but the confidence that comes from mastering something new. That confidence carried her all the way to the world stage. In 2017, she traveled to Austria to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games, returning home a two-time gold medalist. Her achievements filled her community with pride and inspired many who followed her story.
Her journey didn’t stop at athletics. Edna has been active her entire life, not just in sports, but also in activism, leadership, music, and acting. She has always shared her voice, her talent, and her warmth with those around her. Whether training with her Unified Partner Aldina or representing her country at the 2019 Global Youth Leadership Summit in Abu Dhabi, Edna continues to show how sport can bring people together and spark meaningful change.
Her advocacy grew even stronger in the years that followed. She spoke on national television about her path from athlete to leader, joined the Global Athletes Congress in Berlin in 2023, and worked closely with her mentor Sanja to help shape the future of athlete leadership worldwide. Wherever she goes, Edna brings honesty, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose.
In 2025, she added another milestone at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, placing second and fifth in her events and once again making Bosnia and Herzegovina proud. Before her departure, her community gathered to celebrate her achievements and cheer her on, a reflection of the incredible support system that has been with her since the beginning. Her family, friends, sport clubs, teachers, and both her elementary and high schools have played a foundational role in her success.
Today, Edna continues to build her future with the same determination that has guided her for years. She is currently studying at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University, pursuing new opportunities for growth. And most notably, she now works with the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sport becoming the first person with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be employed there, a historic step toward greater inclusion.
From her first swim at Oaza to breaking barriers in sport, leadership, education, and government, Edna’s story is one of perseverance, possibility, and the transformative power of inclusion. Her journey reminds us that with belief, opportunity, and support, every dream is within reach.
After finishing Edna's swimming race at the Sport Games Oaza, This marks one of the first chapters in Edna’s inspiring sports journey, a moment of friendship, perseverance, and accomplishment.
On the snowy slopes, Edna and Harun glide together, enjoying a day of skiing. The crisp winter air and laughter between them capture the pure joy of sport, the freedom of movement, the thrill of learning, and the bond that grows between teammates.
Edna and Harun proudly hold up their medals. Proof that hard work, teamwork, and support always lead to success. It’s not just about the medals themselves, but about the journey they represent.
Here, Edna is seen learning to ski with her coach Adnan. He has been by her side ever since she first stepped onto the snow. Their partnership goes beyond sports; it’s one built on trust, patience, and belief. This is where her love for skiing truly began.
Edna competed at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2017 in Austria. Against the stunning alpine backdrop, Edna achieved something extraordinary by winning two gold medals for her country. Her triumph made her homeland proud and inspired countless others. These moments mark one of the highest peaks of her athletic journey.
Edna competed at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2017 in Austria. Against the stunning alpine backdrop, Edna achieved something extraordinary by winning two gold medals for her country. Her triumph made her homeland proud and inspired countless others. These moments mark one of the highest peaks of her athletic journey.
Edna competed at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2017 in Austria. Against the stunning alpine backdrop, Edna achieved something extraordinary by winning two gold medals for her country. Her triumph made her homeland proud and inspired countless others. These moments mark one of the highest peaks of her athletic journey.
Upon her return from the World Games, Edna was welcomed by her classmates from elementary school. Their smiles, applause, and warm hugs show just how proud they were of her. This homecoming celebration was more than just a welcome; it was a reminder of the strong community and friendships that have supported Edna every step of the way.
Upon her return from the World Games, Edna was welcomed by her classmates from elementary school. Their smiles, applause, and warm hugs show just how proud they were of her. This homecoming celebration was more than just a welcome; it was a reminder of the strong community and friendships that have supported Edna every step of the way.
Upon her return from the World Games, Edna was welcomed by her classmates from elementary school. Their smiles, applause, and warm hugs show just how proud they were of her. This homecoming celebration was more than just a welcome; it was a reminder of the strong community and friendships that have supported Edna every step of the way.
Training side by side in the swimming pool, Edna and her best friend and Unified Partner Aldina share a moment of teamwork and encouragement. Together, they motivate each other, celebrating progress and building strength both in and out of the water.
Training side by side in the swimming pool, Edna and her best friend and Unified Partner Aldina share a moment of teamwork and encouragement. Together, they motivate each other, celebrating progress and building strength both in and out of the water.
In 2019, Edna and Aldina represented their country at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Abu Dhabi, sharing their message of inclusion, friendship, and determination on an international stage.
In 2019, Edna and Aldina represented their country at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Abu Dhabi, sharing their message of inclusion, friendship, and determination on an international stage.
In 2019, Edna and Aldina represented their country at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Abu Dhabi, sharing their message of inclusion, friendship, and determination on an international stage.
Edna appears on television alongside the President of the Association of Life with Down Syndrome, discussing the incredible successes she and the Association have achieved. This moment symbolizes how far Edna has come, from an athlete to an advocate and a voice of inspiration for others.
These photos bring us to Berlin in 2023 at the Global Athletes Congress, Edna participated in discussions and workshops that shaped the future of athlete leadership around the world. Through every conversation and presentation, Edna shone as a confident and passionate representative of her community.
These photos bring us to Berlin in 2023 at the Global Athletes Congress, Edna participated in discussions and workshops that shaped the future of athlete leadership around the world. Through every conversation and presentation, Edna shone as a confident and passionate representative of her community.
These photos bring us to Berlin in 2023 at the Global Athletes Congress, Edna participated in discussions and workshops that shaped the future of athlete leadership around the world. Through every conversation and presentation, Edna shone as a confident and passionate representative of her community.
These photos bring us to Berlin in 2023 at the Global Athletes Congress, Edna participated in discussions and workshops that shaped the future of athlete leadership around the world. Through every conversation and presentation, Edna shone as a confident and passionate representative of her community.
These photos bring us to Berlin in 2023 at the Global Athletes Congress, Edna participated in discussions and workshops that shaped the future of athlete leadership around the world. Through every conversation and presentation, Edna shone as a confident and passionate representative of her community.
These photos bring us to Berlin in 2023 at the Global Athletes Congress, Edna participated in discussions and workshops that shaped the future of athlete leadership around the world. Through every conversation and presentation, Edna shone as a confident and passionate representative of her community.
In these moments, we see Edna at her workplace, the Electric Company in Sarajevo. Focused and professional, she continues to show the same dedication and positivity she brings to sports. Her career is another example of her independence and her ability to inspire those around her in every environment.
In these moments, we see Edna at her workplace, the Electric Company in Sarajevo. Focused and professional, she continues to show the same dedication and positivity she brings to sports. Her career is another example of her independence and her ability to inspire those around her in every environment.
These images tell the story of Edna’s most recent chapter, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in 2025. Competing with determination and grace, she achieved second and fifth place, continuing to make her country proud.
Edna is surrounded by her closest supporters: her Unified Partner Aldina, her sister Erna, and her mother Sabina, the pillars of love and encouragement who have been with her every step of the way.
These images tell the story of Edna’s most recent chapter, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in 2025. Competing with determination and grace, she achieved second and fifth place, continuing to make her country proud.
These images tell the story of Edna’s most recent chapter, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in 2025. Competing with determination and grace, she achieved second and fifth place, continuing to make her country proud.
These images tell the story of Edna’s most recent chapter, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in 2025. Competing with determination and grace, she achieved second and fifth place, continuing to make her country proud.
Edna with her trusted ski coach Adnan, whose guidance and friendship have carried her through years of growth and achievement.
Edna with her trusted ski coach Adnan, whose guidance and friendship have carried her through years of growth and achievement.
When Fabricio first walked through the doors of an English institute in Mendoza, Argentina, he was searching for one thing: a way to improve his language skills.
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired is a storytelling series that highlights the journeys of individuals who got their start with Special Olympics at a young age—and never looked back.
