Three years without the great Tomi Stefanllari

Three years ago today, Tomi Stefanllari, the former sprinter and coach who gave Korça champion and record-breaking athletes, passed away.

Tomi Stefanllari is a legendary figure in Albanian athletics, one of the best athletes in the history of the 100m and 200m sprints. The Korça-born athlete was a champion and record-holder in these two disciplines on clay tracks during an era when Albanian athletics boasted many renowned sprinters.

Tomi Stefanllari undoubtedly stands as one of the finest athletes in Korça’s athletic history. As a coach, he produced champions such as Kristaq Lipe, Kastriot Sulçe, and Alma Thano, athletes who brought numerous trophies to Skënderbeu over the years.

Beyond being an unparalleled athlete and coach, Tomi Stefanllari also excelled as a sports official in Korça. As an athletics inspector and head coach, together with figures like Piro Kasati, Kostandin Peço, Petrika Jakova, Kristaq Tili, Gjergji Burda, Vladimir Fëngjilli, and many others, he introduced training methods that were groundbreaking for Albanian sports.

For all of this and much more, Tomi Stefanllari will remain in the memory of the people of Korça for years to come.

In his later years, he lived with his family in the United States. Korça’s athletics have lost a champion, sports enthusiasts have lost a role model in athletics, and his family has lost their beloved member.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”