Where is Andrijana Budimir today — the woman linked to Toše Proeski
After the 2007 tragedy the former handball player retreated from public life; she later built a coaching career and became an advocate for her son with autism.
Almost two decades after the Balkans lost Toše Proeski, memories of his life keep resurfacing — and with them the name of Andrijana Budimir, the former handball player many remember as the woman most closely associated with him.
The couple’s relationship began away from public view while Budimir was building a sporting career. Professional commitments forced them to pause the romance for a time, but they reunited in early 2007 and were said to be planning a shared future.
One message from that period is still recalled with a lump in the throat: "My one and only princess, I love you so much, and I will watch over you even in my sleep… I love you," attributed to Toše Proeski.
From withdrawal to a new purpose
After the tragic October 2007, Budimir stepped away from the public eye. She briefly left handball, but the sport ultimately became her refuge and her profession.
Over the years she established a private handball school and made history as the first woman to coach a men’s team. In addition to working with domestic clubs, she took charge of the coaching staff at ŽRK Vojvodina, passing on experience to younger players.
On the personal front, she married Johan in 2013; the following summer they became parents to a son, Maksim. Today her life is divided between family and coaching, and a major part of her energy is devoted to advocating for children with disabilities — in particular better inclusion in schools, more public education on the topic, and the introduction of specialized physical-education staff who can help integrate children through sport.
Although she lives a quieter, family-oriented life now, Budimir’s name remains forever linked with the memory of Toše Proeski.
Photo: Fejsbuk\/ Andrijana Budimir
