

146 - A fighter’s mindset — with Ognjen Topic
Aug 11, 2021
Ognjen Topic, a three-time Muay Thai world champion and graphic designer, shares his remarkable journey from war-torn Bosnia to America. He discusses the powerful connection between the mindset required in martial arts and creative fields like design. Ognjen emphasizes how fear can be harnessed as a motivator, offering insights on resilience and mental focus in high-stakes situations. He reflects on the impact of the pandemic on training, balancing dual passions, and the intricate relationship between artistry and athleticism.
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Ognjen's Early Life
- Ognjen Topic, born in Bosnia, fled during the civil war to Serbia, and later immigrated to the US.
- His father, a professional soccer player, built their house in Serbia despite having no construction experience.
Escaping Bosnia
- Ognjen was five when his family fled Bosnia due to rising tensions and his father's intuition.
- His father's decisiveness saved them from roadblocks and sanctions.
Discovering Graphic Design
- Ognjen's parents supported his artistic pursuits, leading him to attend a technical school with graphic design classes.
- Despite wanting to be an oil painter, he chose graphic design for its career prospects.