Sport
Regardless of its size, Croatia is a very sporty nation. Almost every other Croat has something to do with sports. Or knows something about them. Croatia is famous for being a country which knows how to create an atmosphere. The nation itself, the common and ordinary people are very proud of their sports legends, whether they do the individual or the team sports.
Perhaps we should start with individuals. The siblings, Janica and Ivica Kostelić are Croatian most successful alpine skiers. Even though Janica retired from skiing, she still represents a role model and a symbol of success for many people. She won 4 gold medals in alpine skiing at the Winter Olympic Games in 2002 and 2006. 3 of them she won in 2002, making herself the only woman who has ever done that, spreading the name of Croatia all around the world. She was proudly wearing the title of a World Cup Champion in 2001, 2003 and 2006. Altogether, she has won 30 races in the World Cup.
Her brother Ivica specializes in slalom. His greatest achievement was an Olympic silver medal in a combined in 2006.
From the snow-covered areas, we switch to water. Duje Draganja is a famous Croatian swimmer. His best accomplishment was the silver medal in the Men's 50-meter Freestyle at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Mirko Filipović is another sporty individual. He was very famous and successful both in Pride fighting Championship and K1. To show how successful he was, let’s say that he won the Pride on his birthday, September 10th, 2006. In 2007 he became the Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter. Mirko, also known as Cro Cop, is known for his left high kicks.
Mario Ančić, or Super Mario, is a professional tennis player. Just like Ivan Ljubičić and Goran IvaniÅ¡ević, he is considered a very talented young man with a bright future. He was one of the members of the Croatian team who won the Davis Cup back in 2005. 7th place was his highest rank.
Another famous name is the name of Ivan Ljubičić who was Mario’s partner in the Davis Cup. His best accomplishment is definitely the bronze medal in tennis doubles at the Olympics in 2004 when he teamed up with Mario Ančić. Other memorable achievements are the ATP title in 2001, Lyon, 2 ATP titles back in 2005 and the finals of two Masters Series Events.
Goran IvaniÅ¡ević is a former tennis player but the sound of his name still echoes around the world. He won the men's singles at Wimbledon in 2001. To spice it up, he was a wildcard. That left handed player is known for his strong serve. In 1994 he was ranked #2, behind Pete Sampras.
When it comes to team sports, football, handball, basketball... You name it. The Croatian Football Team has existed since 1990. In 1998, this small country surprised us all. The Croatian Football Team was 3rd in the World Cup in France. Back then, the team was led by Davor Å uker who won Golden Boot. Some other names that have marked Croatian football history are Slaven Bilić, Zvonimir Boban, AljoÅ¡a Asanović, Robert Prosinečki, Robert Jarni, Dado PrÅ¡o, Alen BokÅ¡ić...
The Croatian Handball Team is very successful, regardless of its short history. At the Summer Olympics in 1996, they won the gold medal. In 1995 they ended up 3rd at the European Championship and one year later they were 2nd at the World Championship. They also won the 2003 World Championship, and both in 2004 and 2006 European Championships they came out 4th.
Back in 1994, the Croatian Basketball Team ended up 2nd at the Olympics. Good results kept coming — 3rd position in 1993 at the European Championship, 3rd again one year later at the World Championship, 3rd once again in 1995 at the European Championship.
The Water Polo Team has achieved some memorable results — the silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 1996, also silvers at the 1999 and 2003 European Water Polo Championships. In 2007 they won the World Water Polo Championship in Melbourne.