Rexhina Berami: Albania’s Rising Star in Track and Field and Beauty Pageantry
Rexhina Berami has emerged as a multifaceted figure in Albanian sports and public life, balancing achievements in track and field with recognition in national beauty pageants. This report synthesizes available information to provide a detailed overview of her athletic career, competitive milestones, and broader cultural impact.
Early Career and Multidisciplinary Background
Rexhina Berami was born on October 18, 2001, and began her athletic career specializing in the high jump. Early competition records from the Balkan U20 Championships highlight her participation in junior events, where she cleared 1.30 meters in the high jump during the 2012 season2. This foundational period laid the groundwork for her progression into senior competitions.
Parallel to her athletic pursuits, Berami gained national attention in 2021 by winning the “Miss Bikini” title at the Miss Albania pageant1. Her participation in this event underscores a dual identity as both an athlete and a public figure, a rarity in Albanian sports. As a student at the University of Sports, she has balanced academic and competitive commitments, reflecting a disciplined approach to personal development1.
National Dominance in Albanian Athletics
High Jump Achievements
Berami’s national prominence in track and field solidified at the 2023 Albanian Championships, where she won the women’s high jump with a personal best of 1.55 meters4. This performance not only secured her the national title but also demonstrated consistent improvement from her earlier marks. Her technique and consistency at domestic competitions positioned her as Albania’s leading female high jumper.
Versatility in Hurdles and Team Contributions
Beyond the high jump, Berami has competed in the 100-meter hurdles, finishing third at the same national championships with a time of 15.8 seconds4. While hurdles remain a secondary focus, her participation in multiple disciplines highlights her versatility and value to Albania’s track and field program.
International Competitions and European Stage
2023 European Athletics Team Championships Third Division
Berami represented Albania at the 2023 European Athletics Team Championships Third Division in Kraków, Poland, part of the broader European Games. In the women’s high jump, she cleared 1.50 meters, earning 10th place in Division 3 and 42nd overall36. This result, though modest by continental standards, marked her as one of Albania’s key contributors in a team that finished ninth overall with 257 points6.
Her performance in Poland reflected the challenges of transitioning from national to international competition. While her 1.50-meter clearance fell short of her personal best, it underscored her role as a developmental athlete in a nation with limited infrastructure for track and field36.
Comparative Analysis of Albanian Athletics
Albania’s athletics program remains under-resourced compared to European peers, with limited medal prospects outside niche events. Berami’s teammate Luiza Gega (2016 Olympian and national record holder in the steeplechase) exemplifies this disparity, having won gold in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the same European Games36. Berami’s performances, while not yet podium-caliber, contribute to a small but growing cohort of Albanian athletes gaining international experience.
Technical Profile and Training Regimen
High Jump Technique
Berami employs the Fosbury Flop, the dominant technique in modern high jump. Video analysis from the 2023 European Games suggests room for improvement in her approach run and bar clearance efficiency7. Her personal best of 1.55 meters places her 25th all-time among Albanian women, with the national record (1.78 meters) held by Brikena Çarka since 20054.
Physical and Strategic Development
At 1.70 meters tall, Berami possesses a favorable anthropometric profile for the high jump. However, her international results indicate a need for enhanced strength training and plyometric development to improve explosive power. Albanian coaches have emphasized technical adjustments, particularly in her takeoff mechanics, to bridge the gap with regional competitors from Montenegro and North Macedonia37.
Cultural Impact and Public Persona
Beauty Pageants and Media Presence
Berami’s victory in the 2021 Miss Albania Bikini category brought her into the national spotlight, merging athleticism with mainstream cultural appeal1. This dual identity has made her a rare figure in Albanian media, where athletes seldom cross over into entertainment. Her participation in pageants has sparked discussions about the intersection of sports and beauty standards in Balkan societies.
Role Model for Young Athletes
As one of the few Albanian female athletes active internationally, Berami serves as an inspiration for young women pursuing sports. Her visibility in both track and field and pageantry challenges traditional gender norms in a region where female athletic participation remains underrepresented.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Institutional Barriers
Albania’s athletics federation faces systemic challenges, including limited funding and coaching expertise. Berami’s reliance on domestic training facilities—often lacking modern equipment—highlights the infrastructural hurdles impeding her progress6. Unlike counterparts in Western Europe, she has no access to sports science support or altitude training centers.
Pathway to Major Competitions
To qualify for events like the European Championships or World Athletics Championships, Berami must consistently clear 1.80 meters, the approximate entry standard. Achieving this will require international training camps and exposure to higher-level competition. Partnerships with neighboring federations (e.g., Greece or Italy) could provide critical opportunities.
Conclusion
Rexhina Berami embodies the potential and challenges of Albanian athletics. Her national success in the high jump and hurdles, coupled with her cultural visibility, positions her as a pivotal figure in the country’s sporting landscape. While her international results remain developmental, strategic investments in coaching and infrastructure could elevate her to continental relevance. Beyond athletics, her role as a multidisciplinary public figure offers a template for redefining women’s sports in the Balkans.
For Albania to nurture more athletes like Berami, systemic reforms—including increased funding, international collaborations, and youth development programs—are essential. Her journey underscores the resilience required to excel in a resource-constrained environment while paving the way for future generations.
Go Rexhina!
