He has also remained true to his tribal code of honour, having never uttered a public word on the events which shook the nation in 1963.
Nikolic awarded him a large medal and chain of precious metals, named the Order of the Republic of Serbia, the country's new highest honour, having been specially created for the occasion.
The last 14years have been a slow,hard but continual climb back to this place and it's been an honour having u with me every step of the way Olly Murs' Right Place, Right Time was in fourth place with Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP 2 in fifth.
Christie, who competed at the Vancouver Games at the age of 19, is targeting her first World Championships honour, having finished an agonising fourth in the 1,000m at last year's event in Shanghai.
"It's been an honour having the [world champion's] rainbow jersey in this team and great to work so closely with a rider I've known since he was a junior.
(Matilda) I guess it was a badge of honour (having a vaginal birth after a caesarean).
