The Croatian athletics scene has recently celebrated one of its most successful seasons to date, with a plethora of remarkable performances and achievements. As the season draws to a close, the accomplishments of both seasoned athletes and emerging talents have set new standards in the sport.
Sandra Perković, now Sandra Elkasević, has continued her reign as a dominant force in discus throwing, securing her seventh consecutive gold medal at the European Championships in Rome. This victory marks her 15th major medal, solidifying her status as the most successful discus thrower in Olympic history. Her consistent performance underscores her enduring competitive spirit over the last decade and a half.
Another highlight of the season was Sara Kolak's unexpected resurgence. After a challenging period, Kolak showcased her skills at the Olympic Games, achieving a personal best of 64.57 meters in the javelin throw, finishing fourth overall. This performance has rekindled hopes for her future in the sport.
Filip Pravdica also made headlines by achieving a historic feat in men’s shot put, becoming the first Croatian athlete to win two major outdoor medals in a single season. His journey, however, has been met with challenges, as he aims to return to his previous form.
Additionally, the year has been exceptional for junior athletes, with Croatia winning a record number of medals in both U-20 and U-18 categories. Vita Barbić and Roko Farkaš emerged as standout performers, with Farkaš breaking national junior records in long jump and 200 meters.