A football player's story
2011-02-10 11:33
On Saturday 11/12 2010 there was a promotion of the biography ‘Ivan Gudelj – Footballer’s Story) The author is sports journalist and publicist Blaz Duplancic.
The packed full foyer of the national theatre in Split with 300 guests hosted the event; among the speakers was the president of Hepatos, Mrs Tatjana Reic.
The book tells a story of a promising career in football, but also what the protagonist, a football player - Ivan Gudelj went through after he was infected with hepatitis B. Just when the word about his talent spread around the Europe, on 13th of September 1986, Ivan Gudelj had to leave the game during the half-time break due to fatigue. He was later diagnosed with the disease.
From his example, we see that the disease is not picky. One can be a great sportsman, masculine, living healthy and still get infected. It can affect anyone. Despite this evidence, there’s still a stigma.
So when such a famous person comes out of the closet and speaks openly about his disease, and his dealings with that fact, it represents a double win. Firstly, we break down the walls blocking open conversations about it thus erasing stigma, and secondly his positive example gives hope and a positive guideline for anybody in a similar place.
We thank Mr Gudelj and the author Blaz Duplancic for this biography and hold it as a valuable document, and for this precious event because of its specific importance for this moment and also the future.