BRIKEN CALJA, 13 YEARS OF WAITING: “I FELL AND ROSE AGAIN—NOW I WILL GIVE EVERYTHING FOR ALBANIA”
BRIKEN CALJA, 13 YEARS OF WAITING: “I FELL AND ROSE AGAIN—NOW I WILL GIVE EVERYTHING FOR ALBANIA”
Briken Calja returns to the Mediterranean Games with motivation that goes far beyond winning a medal or achieving a sporting result.
For the Albanian champion, this competition carries profound emotional significance. Exactly 13 years ago, his participation in the Mediterranean Games marked the beginning of one of the most difficult periods of his life and career: a two-year suspension, pain, uncertainty and a long battle to return to the highest level of weightlifting.
Today, Calja returns to the same competition stronger, more mature and carrying a remarkable story of resilience on his shoulders.
“An unfinished chapter”
In a heartfelt message ahead of the competition, the Albanian weightlifter described his return as a confrontation with a chapter that has remained unfinished within him for more than a decade.
“For 13 years, this competition has remained somewhere inside me, like an unfinished chapter. For many people, the Mediterranean Games are simply another competition, another medal and another result. But not for me.”
Calja recalled the difficult period that began after that competition. However, he stressed that despite the setbacks he faced, he refused to allow his career to end there.
“I did not give up. I fell and rose again. I lost and fought once more. I continued to believe even when everything seemed to be against me.”
From pain to the summit of weightlifting
The following 13 years brought Briken Calja not only challenges but also major achievements. He fulfilled dreams for which he once could only pray and experienced moments that, as he admits, he will carry with him for the rest of his life.
The Albanian champion has been crowned European and world champion, carried Albania’s national flag and received several important honours, including the rank of Colonel, the Star of Public Recognition and the title of Honorary Citizen.
Despite all the medals and honours, Calja admits that he continues to carry another dream in his heart—one that he has not fully revealed.
“I still have a dream, one that I have carried with me every day for almost a year. It is a wish that hurts silently and that, more than any medal or result, I would love to see become a reality.”
The return after 13 years
This time, Briken Calja steps onto the Mediterranean Games platform as a different athlete. He carries more scars and a longer story, but his heart and desire to represent Albania remain unchanged.
“Today, 13 years later, I return to the Mediterranean Games as a different person—with more scars and more history, but with the same heart.”
The Albanian champion will also have his staff, Geraldi and Vanini, beside him during this challenge. He mentioned them with gratitude in his message before the competition.
“When I step onto the platform, I will give everything I have inside me—for myself and my family, for my staff, Geraldi and Vanini, for the dream I carry in my heart and, above all, for Albania.”
After 13 years of waiting, Briken Calja is not returning merely to pursue a result. He is returning to confront the past, close a painful chapter and write a new page while representing the red and black.