Marko Blaževski
A Macedonian swimming pioneer who carried his nation's flag at the Olympics and repeatedly rewrote its record books.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Macedonian swimmer·Birthday: November 10·Millennials
Biography
For over a decade, Marko Blaževski was the face of Macedonian swimming on the world stage. Specializing in the grueling individual medley, his career was defined by representing a small nation with limited aquatic tradition. He became a fixture at major championships, from the Olympics to the World Championships, where his races were less about contending for medals and more about achieving personal and national milestones. At the 2012 and 2016 Summer Games, he didn't reach finals, but he broke Macedonian records, setting a standard for those who might follow. His legacy is that of a pathfinder—an athlete who, through sheer will and dedication, ensured Macedonia had a presence in the pool, inspiring a new generation to dive in.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marko was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marko Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Marko's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Competed in the 400m individual medley at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
- Broke the Macedonian national record in the 200m individual medley at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
- Represented Macedonia at multiple European and World Aquatics Championships.
Did You Know?
He finished 34th overall in the heats of the Men's 400m individual medley at the 2012 Olympics.
At the 2016 Olympics, he finished 26th overall in the heats of the 200m individual medley.
He has competed in both the 200m and 400m individual medley events internationally.
“I swam for Macedonia, to put our name on the map in every pool I entered.”
