The Unstoppable Journey of Dejana Backo: From a Rare Diagnosis to World Champion, Artist, and Loving Mother

Born in Serbia in December 1994, Dejana Backo came into the world with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition that left her without fully developed arms. To navigate a world designed for hands, Dejana adapted from early childhood, learning to use her feet for every daily task. She mastered eating, dressing, writing, and eventually, painting with her left foot. By age nine, her incredible artistic talent earned her recognition and support from VDMFK, an international association representing mouth and foot painting artists. Despite facing skepticism from those who doubted her ability to study art at a professional level, she persevered, enrolled in an art academy, and graduated as a professional painter. Her detailed animal portraits, created stroke by stroke with her foot, showcase a level of precision that leaves viewers in awe.

Yet, art was only the beginning of her achievements. In 2016, Dejana took on the sport of Para taekwondo. Just three years later, at the 2019 World Para Taekwondo Championships in Antalya, Turkey, she captured the gold medal, becoming a world champion for Serbia. Her victory caught the attention of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who congratulated her on her success. In return, Dejana gifted him a detailed portrait she had painted using her feet, depicting him during an Australian Open match with a butterfly resting on his arm.

In February 2023, Dejana embraced another milestone when she gave birth to her daughter, Lara. Stepping away from sports competition to focus on motherhood, she continued to create art while sharing her journey online. Using the same feet that painted masterpieces and won world titles, she now cares for her child, proving that determination can overcome any physical boundary. Born into a world that questioned her limits, Dejana built a life defined by her own extraordinary choices.