Flagbearers in judo: Barbara Matic (CRO)

Barbara Matic of Croatia is one of the favourites for gold U70kg at the Paris Games. She is renowned in her country and was previously awarded as sportswoman of the year and of course we know her as the double world champion. Barbara is one of the flagbearers in judo at the Paris Olympic Games.

Barbara Matic of Croatia is a standout judoka and one of the favourites for the gold medal in the U70kg category at the Paris Olympic Games. Born on December 3, 1994, in Split, Croatia, she has made a significant mark in the sport and is well-known in her country, where she has been honored as Sportswoman of the Year.

Barbara's illustrious career includes being a two-time World Champion in the -70 kg class, having won gold in the 2021 World Championships in Budapest and again in 2022. These victories were groundbreaking, making her the first Croatian judoka to secure a world title. Her accomplishments have set a high standard in Croatian judo and have inspired many young athletes in her homeland.

Barbara's Olympic journey began at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, where she placed 17th in the -70 kg category. She returned to the Olympics in Tokyo 2020, achieving a fifth-place finish, showcasing her growth and determination as an athlete.

In addition to her world championship titles, Barbara has been successful in numerous other prestigious competitions. She won bronze in the -63 kg category at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, and her performance in European Championships has been notable, with a gold medal in 2024 and three bronze medals in 2014, 2017, and 2023.

Barbara has also performed exceptionally well in Grand Slam events, with notable victories in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2024. Her Grand Slam record since 2017 includes several podium finishes, emphasizing her consistency and skill in high-level judo competitions.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Barbara has pursued academic excellence, earning a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from the University of Split. She balances her career as an athlete with teaching mathematics and physics to children in her free time, demonstrating her commitment to education and community.

Barbara began practicing judo at the age of seven, inspired by a presentation at her school by coaches Vladimir and Slavko Preradovic. She trains at JK Pujanke in Split, under the guidance of her long-time coach Vladimir Preradovic, alongside national teammates Karla Prodan and Karla Kulic.

Her training regimen includes twice-daily sessions, often held in an adapted old atomic fallout shelter, now a judo hall. Barbara's preferred technique is the uchimata, and she is known for her ritual of always wearing the same hoodie while warming up before competitions.

Barbara draws inspiration from Croatian alpine skier Janica Kostelic, whose remarkable achievements in a country with limited winter sports infrastructure have profoundly influenced her. Barbara’s sporting philosophy, "Nothing is impossible. Love what you do and enjoy it," reflects her positive mindset and dedication to judo.

As Barbara Matic steps onto the mat in Paris, she carries with her the hopes of a nation and the drive to add an Olympic gold medal to her already impressive list of achievements.

Judo Flagbearers so far (updated Friday)

Amina Belkadi (ALG)

Ange Ciella Niragira (BUR)

Anna-Maria Wagner (GER)

Arnold Kisoka (COD)

Barbara Matic (CRO)

Djamila Silva (CPV)

Erlan Sherov (KGZ)

Faye Njie (GAM)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Hugo Cumbo (VAN)

Idalys Ortiz (CUB)

Izayana Marenco (NCA)

Juan Postigos (PER)

Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST)

Krisztian Toth (HUN)

Larisa Ceric (BIH)

Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Nora Gjakova (KOS)

Akil Gjakova (KOS)

Peter Paltchik (ISR)

Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CMR)

Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Temur Rakhimov (TJK)

Valentin Houinato (BEN)

Thomas Mlugu (TAN)

Lukas Krpalek (CZE)