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| Luiza Gega crying with joy after winning the gold medal at the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, 2015. |
Luiza Gega, born on November 5, 1988, has established herself as the most renowned athlete in the history of Albania, becoming a symbol of pride for Albanian sports. Her accomplishments, particularly in the realm of middle- and long-distance running, have brought international recognition to the country.
Since 2016, Luiza Gega has focused on the 3000-meter steeplechase, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. In 2016, she secured the silver medal in the event at the European Championships, marking a historic achievement as Albania's first European medal in athletics. However, Gega's journey was far from over, and in 2022, she clinched the gold, setting a championship record in the process. This gold medal not only added another accolade to Gega's impressive career but also marked a significant milestone as Albania's first-ever title at the European Athletics Championships.
Gega's list of achievements extends beyond these championships. She holds the Albanian records in a multitude of distances, including the 800, 1500, 3000 (both indoor and outdoor), 5000, 10,000 meters, half-marathon, and marathon. Additionally, she dominates in the 2000 and 3000 meters steeplechase, solidifying her status as a versatile and exceptional athlete.
Despite the magnitude of her name and the glory she has brought to Albania, Luiza Gega expressed her discontent with the lack of recognition and rewards commensurate with her accomplishments. According to local media, in one of her social media posts, she called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to address the issue and ensure that she receives the deserved accolades.
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| Screenshot of the original post (status) of Luiza Gega on Instagram |
Gega highlighted the fact that, despite her significant contributions to Albanian sports, she has received very little in return. She emphasized that, especially in the last two years with the changes in regulations (VKM), she has managed to secure some rewards, but these have not been proportional to her efforts and achievements.
"I have been investing all my life, and only in the last two years with the changes of (VKM) have I managed to get something, of course with my sweat nothing but nothing forgiven," expressed Gega in her statement.
Luiza Gega's plea not only sheds light on the challenges faced by athletes in receiving due recognition but also underscores the need for a fair and supportive system that values and rewards their dedication and accomplishments.