It has been a particular Olympiad for Barbara MATIC (CRO). Although she achieved a lot success previous to the Tokyo Olympic Video games, she completed within the residence of judo with a fifth place. It’s a bittersweet feeling, to have reached the ultimate block, be so near the medal however to go residence empty handed. Since then, Matic has made historical past for Croatia on a number of events, has secured main titles many judoka solely dare to dream of, however there may be nonetheless one left.
Ought to Matic declare gold within the Olympic Video games in Paris 2024, she may have accomplished her assortment and naturally, entered the historical past books but once more. It was solely in 2012 when the primary feminine competitor certified to characterize Croatia within the Olympic Video games, Marijana MISKOVIC earned her place in London and set the ball rolling for the ladies’s group of Croatia. Now in 2024, judo is healthier identified, boasting a two-time World Champion, and most lately a European Champion at residence in Zagreb.
I feel, with this being my third Olympic Video games, I really feel much less stress, actually lower than I felt in Tokyo! I went there as the primary world champion, after which a second time after that, however now I’ve that title I don’t give it some thought a lot and may give attention to the Olympics. My physique and thoughts and every thing is healthier than in Tokyo, I’ve a lot much less stress and may simply take pleasure in this time with preparation.
There are clear indicators of athletes maturing all through their profession, expertise on their facet, and Matic is certainly one of them. She is aware of she is able to nice issues when she is in fine condition and her aura is calm. Loads modified in that sense following the Olympic choice, as group mate, World silver medallist Lara CVJETKO was at all times proper behind, chasing her shadow.
Because the starting of the 12 months, it was nonetheless onerous as a result of regardless that I used to be on the prime of the rating, I needed to show that I deserved to be chosen for these Olympic Video games. Then after the Croatian Judo Federation made the choice, I felt just like the heaviest a part of the job was achieved, now I simply have to verify I’m wholesome, coaching properly and having fun with it!
Paris is an epicentre for judo, the Grand Slam occasion some of the properly attended with a brilliant fan base. The extent is at all times excessive with the esteemed entry, however this July, the extent will likely be ‘Olympic’.
I’ve been in Paris after all, however I’ve even been within the venue the place we are going to compete, the place we did the photoshoot with EJU and IJF, so I’ve the sensation already. Earlier than the World Championships, I used to be nonetheless questioning if I’ll go or not as a result of I injured my thumb and I used to be contemplating the rankings and seedings and issues like this. However on that day, to be one of the best I must beat one of the best and whether or not that’s within the first or final match it doesn’t matter.
I used to be ranked #1 earlier than the worlds and the identical after, so there may be nothing extra I can do in that regard, now I simply need to benefit from the expertise. The Olympic Video games is large I do know, however I don’t stress about it. I’m a lot calmer now, and after Baku after they determined, I went in to Tbilisi fully chill, zen! The physio even requested me if I’m okay! Normally in a event I’m targeted and he can inform if I’m in a great temper or not, and I used to be smiling and laughing and he actually stored asking me if I used to be okay!
Then within the Europeans it was virtually the identical however then there have been lots of people who got here to observe me and I didn’t need to disappoint them, I did it for them. I’m completely happy that I gained it there, but when it’d been held someplace else, perhaps I wouldn’t have even competed!
As Matic said, that is her third Olympic Video games, in Rio she was very younger and every thing was new, in Tokyo, the scenario robbed the athletes of that Olympic feeling, and so they have been compelled to take care of added pressures and worries round constructive checks. Now, athletes from around the globe in 42 disciplines are excited, able to take pleasure in one of many biggest sporting celebrations on earth. Matic additionally lets us know one other thrilling piece of data…
I simply came upon I would be the flag bearer for Croatia and that’s one thing thrilling for me! For the event, I’m certain on the day I’ll really feel the hype and pleasure, I simply hope I get a great sleep the night time earlier than and I get up smiling. I really feel that they [Olympics] are coming however not the massive stress this time and I would like this sense to remain so long as doable.
It would even be an important day as mum, dad and boyfriend will all be in attendance, with former judoka sister, Brigita, watching from residence with a brand new child on the way in which!
Judoka
Barbara Matic
Writer: Thea Cowen
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