Golden Barbara Matic rolemodel for Croatia

Barbara Matic fulfilled not only her own lifelong dream but also the dream of her home country, Croatia. Matic became the Olympic champion in the U70kg judo category, a triumph that had eluded her in the previous two Olympic Games in Rio and Tokyo. In Tokyo 2021, she had entered the competition as the reigning world champion, having clinched gold in Budapest just weeks earlier, but heartbreakingly, she finished in fifth place.

In Paris, however, Matic arrived with two world titles under her belt, the status of world number one, and a position at the top of the competition sheet. While reaching the top of the Olympic podium was never guaranteed, Matic had the perfect platform from which to launch her bid for gold, bolstered by an unwavering confidence. Reflecting on her victory, she admitted, “I haven’t realized yet, it still feels like another competition for me, maybe like a different Paris Grand Slam, but I’m sure I will feel it soon.”

Matic’s journey in judo began in a time when Croatia’s judo federation was still in its infancy. She reminisced about those early days, saying, “When I started judo, we were a very small federation. Marijana Hasanbegovic took those first international medals and then we followed, and together we grew up. When I was a child, the Croatian Olympic Committee followed us early on, and my cadet and junior medals came as part of the process.” Matic’s potential was evident from a young age, as she became a junior world champion twice, setting the stage for what promised to be a stellar senior career. The Croatian Judo Federation, along with the Olympic Committee, worked closely with her, providing the best possible support for their athletes. “We grew together, me and the federation,” she noted.

The victory in Paris was a historic moment for Croatia, marking the nation’s first Olympic medal in judo.  Matic’s success is also a testament to the strong bond she shares with her coach, Vladimir Preradovic, who has been with her from the very beginning. “My coach said to me that only Nagase and I were dominating our categories so strongly, and so I wanted to complete the task. I felt really good, and I know I’m in good shape. I was motivated. I have had the same coach right from the beginning. Vladimir Preradovic is my personal coach and my national coach, and his whole family is part of this success. He facilitated the technical level and the planning.”

Matic is now a real role model for new girls coming to judo, and with this proof, this Olympic gold medal, we can do it again in the future. We have a lot of hope for the next Olympic Games in 2028. Kristo, Oberan, Cvjetko, and many more are coming, proving themselves already as great prospects throughout this Paris cycle. I’m sure we will have a minimum of four women qualified in Los Angeles.”

Matic: “Everyone is asking me now when we will see the gold backnumber appear. A little rest is needed now, but I have to see what is in my heart, and if the fire is still there, then I will continue,” Matic said. She knew deep down that she had the potential to become an Olympic champion but was afraid to voice it aloud. “I had won four gold medals and a bronze this year, and I had a lot of people behind me and supporting me, but none of that can cement the medal. I had to do it on the day, and I did. It’s been a long time coming for both me and for Croatia.”

As she reflects on her journey, Matic has a message for the young judoka who are just starting their own paths in the sport: “Believe in yourself and train well, and you can make your dreams come true.”