The strength of Croatia’s -70kg women is something sensational. Three years ago, it was a surprise to see Lara CVJETKO in the World Championship final against her team mate, Barbara MATIC. Cvjetko emerged on that day and made her name known alongside her successful friend, who we can now call both World and Olympic Champion.
This medal on day five of the World Championships in Budapest could not have felt more different for Cvjetko though,
This time, it felt much more like a final of a World Championships because the first time I was fighting against my team mate Barbara, it was really a weird feeling, I didn’t have my coach by my side so it felt more like a national championships than a world final but this time it was different. Even now, it doesn’t seem real that I won this silver medal.
Though Cvjetko can celebrate now, her major medals certainly didn’t feel like a guarantee at the start of 2025,
Everyone always talks about consistency, but for me I have to take it fight by fight. My year did not start very well, I went out in the first round of two competitions in a row, but after that I claimed a European medal and first Grand Slam gold, and now another World medal. I think it comes down to how I’m feeling in my head and how I feel on the day, how my training has been and of course, no injuries! Injuries are the worst part of the sport, of any sport!
Even with these recent successes and milestones in her career, nothing is ever promised, and she was feeling quite aware of that as she made her way through her preliminary rounds.
In my second fight I had the Olympic bronze medallist, I was really nervous about it and knew I could possibly lose this one and be kicked out of the tournament early, so I really just hoped to go as far I can. It was very close in the final and I don’t know if it helps or not, but this time I couldn’t find a solution. At the beginning of this year I couldn’t have imagined I’d have a European bronze and World silver, so I’m really just so happy.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen