In 2022, Barbara MATIC of Croatia secured her second World title in the -70kg category, but these significant milestones were still only a stepping stone to her ultimate goal. The Olympic gold.
During the ‘Meet the Champion’ project with Matic, she showed the team where she wished to see her name on the West Coast’s Walk of Fame. Now that dream has become a reality.
With this achievement, Matic has gone in to the history books, not only as the first Olympic medallist from Croatia, but the first Champion. For Matic, this cycle has been a string of successes, with European and World titles accumulating before she brought glory to her nation in the Paris Olympic Games.
Now, her name is a permanent fixture, and will be seen by generations, an inspiration for her country people, and a point of interest for tourists.
Congratulations Barbie!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen