Almost five years ago, Bogdan Knezevic made the choice to remain in Canada to pursue his academic and athletic career.
 
As with all top Canadian swimmers, the temptation of a full ride and the opportunity to compete in the NCAA is a thoroughly considered possibility. However, Knezevic made the choice to attend the University of Calgary as it aligned with his future academic plans and maintained the comfort of swimming in Canada.
 
In 1994, Knezevic and his family moved to Toronto, where he eventually joined the Etobicoke Swim Club. Since then, Knezevic made his first Sr. and Jr. National team in 2006. Consistently Knezevic continued to represent Canada, as he competed at Junior Worlds twice. This past summer, Knezevic went back to his roots and represented Serbia in the 2013 Universiade and World Championships. World Championships, Knezevic competed in two short course world cups, placing seventh in the 400IM in Berlin.
 
Knezevic, a fourth-year Neuroscience student, is an exemplary example of someone who excels in both athletics and academics. Over his four years in Calgary, Knezevic has maintained a 3.97 overall GPA, earning his a place on the Dean's list and an Academic All-Canadian each year.
 
One of the main reasons Knezevic believes he has had major success in and out of the pool is due to the coaching atmosphere in Calgary.
 
"The coaches have always been supportive of my academic goals. When I cannot make a workout, there are extra workouts I can go to, as well as one-on-one dry land training if I cannot make it with the group."
 
Knezevic cites the ultimate decision to move to Calgary was because, "the coaches were professional in the recruiting process, and the team added a human element to the process".
 
Another major motivation to attend the University of Calgary was a history of athletic and academic excellence, shown by previous swimmers, such as Curtis Myden.
 
"This shows that it is possible to do great things both in swimming and academically at the University of Calgary," said Knezevic.  
 
Knezevic is very confident about his choice to attend the University of Calgary and represent the Dino's.
 
"Each year I discover a new reason I hadn't seen before as to why Calgary was the right choice."
 
This student-athlete has his sights set high in terms of future athletic and academic goals. Knezevic said he is "hungry for a spot (in Rio 2016), and learned a lot from missing 2012". As for academics, Knezevic wants to get involved in leadership and healthcare, through medical school, or pursuing his masters and PhD in Neuroscience.
 
Last week Knezevic competed in Herning, Denmark at the European Short Course Champs, posting great results in the 200fly and 400IM. These swims are a short glance into what is in store later this year at CIS Championships and Canadian Pan-Pac/Commonwealth Games Trials.

The Dinos are set to host the 2014 Canada West Swimming Championships, Jan. 24-26 where the men's team will try to defend their 2013 title.