Sports and politics. Influence of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia on Drazen Petrovic’s personal life and sports career

Drazen Petrovic was a unique personality. The outstanding Croatian sportsman opened the door to basketball careers for European players in the United States. The player, thanks to his extraoridinary skills and hard work, became a star in the American NBA league. He was often compared to Mozart. Finding many other similarities (beginning of the career at the young age, remarkable talent, unique approach to responsibilities etc.) he also died prematurely. The goal of the paper is to present the influence of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia on the figure’s personal life as well as his sports carrer with reference to the political situation in the former Yugoslavia. The goal was achieved through an analysis of references (Polish and English). The paper presents also statistical data illustrating the player’s achievements.