The envoy of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić attended the official send-off of the Croatian Olympic delegation to the Olympic Games in Paris on July 23, 2024. The event took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Zagreb, and on this occasion, the minister wished the Croatian Olympians success, health, and luck at the upcoming games.

Minister Anušić emphasized the importance of proudly wearing Croatian symbols and fighting for the homeland on behalf of the Prime Minister and himself. He stated: “Wear the Croatian symbols proudly and fight for Croatia. We will follow and support you, and welcome you in Croatian squares with medals around your necks.”

During his speech, the minister recalled the beginnings of Croatia’s independence, highlighting how Croatian athletes and sports diplomats have proudly represented Croatia on the global stage since then. He mentioned pioneers of sports diplomacy such as Goran Ivanišević, who carried the Croatian flag at the first Olympic Games in which Croatia participated as an independent state.

Croatian Sports Today
Minister Anušić emphasized the significance of sports and athletes in today’s Croatia. “Today, athletes are a brand of the Croatian state. You have done a lot for the international reputation of Croatia during the creation of independence, and you continue to do so today,” said Anušić.

He particularly highlighted the recognition of Croatia as a small country with extraordinary athletes: “Croatia, as a small country with only 3.8 million inhabitants, has exceptional athletes. Thank you for your dedication and determination. You 73 represent Croatia in Paris, which is already a huge success,” the minister emphasized.

23 Elite Athletes – Croatian Armed Forces Reservists at the Olympic Games
He was especially pleased that 23 elite athletes, who are also contract reservists of the Croatian Armed Forces, will participate in the Olympic Games: “I am particularly pleased that 23 Croatian Olympians come from the ranks of the Croatian Armed Forces, and I want to especially thank them. Along with elite athletes, the Croatian Armed Forces are the best Croatia has.”

The ceremony was also attended by elite athlete and contract reservist of the Croatian Armed Forces, athlete Matea Parlov Koštro, who will participate in the Olympic Games in Paris along with other reservists.

Olympic Representatives
23 elite athletes – contract reservists of the Croatian Armed Forces qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris. Among them are: athletes Matea Parlov Koštro, Marija Tolj, and Filip Mihaljević; gymnast Tin Srbić; boxer Gabrijel Veočić; sailors Šime and Mihovil Fantela, Martin Dolenc, and Filip Jurišić; judokas Zdravko Kumrić and Barbara Matić; swimmer Nikola Miljenić; kayakers Anamarija Govorčinović and Matija Marinić; shooters Giovanni Cernogoraz, Petar Gorša, and Miran Maričić; taekwondo fighter Lena Stojković; and rowers Martin and Valent Sinković, Damir Martin, and Anton and Patrik Lončarić.

During the ceremony, members of the Croatian Olympic delegation signed the Fair Play Declaration, expressing their commitment to the principles of the Olympic spirit. By doing so, they pledged that their performances and behavior at the Olympic Games in Paris will contribute to the preservation of sports values in the spirit of Fair Play, tolerance, non-violence, and respect.

Additional Information about Olympians
In addition to representing Croatia, our athletes stand out internationally. Athlete Matea Parlov Koštro, who will run long-distance races, has already achieved notable results in European and world competitions. Marija Tolj and Filip Mihaljević, also athletes, regularly win medals in discus and shot put competitions.

Gymnast Tin Srbić, world champion on the horizontal bar, leads the Croatian delegation of gymnasts. Boxer Gabrijel Veočić has numerous international medals, and a good performance is rightfully expected from him in Paris. Sailors Šime and Mihovil Fantela, Martin Dolenc, and Filip Jurišić are among the best in their disciplines, while judokas Zdravko Kumrić and Barbara Matić are also favorites for medals.

Swimmer Nikola Miljenić continues the tradition of successful Croatian swimmers, while kayakers Anamarija Govorčinović and Matija Marinić regularly bring medals from European and world championships. Shooters Giovanni Cernogoraz, Petar Gorša, and Miran Maričić stand out for their precision and skill and are among the main favorites for medals in their disciplines.

Preparations for the Olympic Games
Our athletes have undergone intensive preparations to be in top form for the competitions in Paris. They successfully participated in a series of preparatory competitions, allowing them to reach peak form. We are proud of their dedication and work, and the entire country believes in their success.

The Olympic Games in Paris represent an exceptional opportunity for our athletes to showcase themselves in the best light and once again confirm their excellence on the world stage. Their dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship are an inspiration to us all, and their successes are the pride of Croatia.