NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen’s Women’s Basketball Worldwide) – Nothing will ever be the same again for Natasa Kovacevic and that was no better illustrated than in the latest chapter she penned in her very special and roller-coaster journey.

The tragic accident she was involved in just over two years ago at Uni Gyor was a news story in Hungary [where it occurred], Serbia [her homeland] and in basketball circles - I wrote about it in my initial column.

Outside of that, it barely registered.

And, why should it? After all, it’s a sad truth of life that traffic accidents take people’s lives and inflict life changing injuries around the world every day.

Last week, it was a different matter altogether as her return with Crvena Zvezda in a competitive game went truly global.

Reuters news agency were all over it – as was the likes of Yahoo, CNN. Al Jazeera nd the world renowned BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) World Service had an interview. In addition of course to a barrage of coverage in Serbia, mainland Europe, in basketball circles and also across the disability community.

It was officially rubber-stamped as an inspiring story.

And, it was a deserving level of recognition for Natasa for sure – only for those of us who have followed her rehab from the outset, it has been an inspiring story for a long, long time.

She didn’t have to step back onto the court in a Serbian League game for it to be inspiring.

Sit and have a conversation with Natasa and listen to how she speaks and conducts herself is enough to be left full of admiration and respect.

Not that playing with Crvena Zvezda is not important - for it completes the seemingly impossible dream.

Only between the initial tragic accident and last week’s outpouring of coverage, the part in the middle has been lost somewhat and that is the phase which has been unimaginably tough. Not just for Natasa – but for her family.

Behind the smiles at the 'Legends Game' at EuroBasket Women Final Round, her reintegration to the game last week and everything else, there has been huge emotional turmoil and no doubt weeks and months. when tears would regularly roll from the cheeks of both Natasa and her loved ones.

They will never forget the initial shock, those traumatic first few weeks and the long, long path back – something that sits hidden behind those recent headlines on Yahoo.

When I saw the coverage of her making the return, I thought immediately of two things.

Firstly, the families of Head Coach Akos Fuzy and General Manager Peter Tapodi who lost their lives in the tragedy and whose memories I know will always be honoured through the inspiring work of Natasa.

Secondly, Natasa's parents who have suffered most from seeing their daughter have to go through such a life changing experience and what it must have meant to see her wear the Crvena Zvezda vest in an actual competitive game.

Natasa remains an absolute role model and real hero to me – on and off the court.

My ultimate MVP for sure.

But like all MVP’s, it is also about the team they have around them.

So, congratulations to those who have supported her emotionally, financially and medically in what remains a truly incredible and inspiring triumph of hope and accomplishment, out of despair and tragedy.

Welcome back Natasa.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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