Croatia sends 16 swimmers to European Championships in Paris

Croatia is sending a team of 16 swimmers to the European Aquatics Championships in Paris next week. The nation's brightest hope for medals is 22-year-old Jere Hribar, who captured the European short-course title in the 50m freestyle last December. He also secured a silver medal in the 100m freestyle and was part of a bronze-medal-winning 4x50m freestyle relay team at that event.

Hribar expressed his eagerness to compete, stating, "I need to take it step by step, first reach the final, and then enjoy and let go. I feel faster in the pool, and I can't wait to try the pool in Paris." He plans to compete in five disciplines at the championships.

“

I need to take it step by step, first reach the final, and then enjoy and let go. I feel faster in the pool, and I can't wait to try the pool in Paris.

However, national team coach Pero Kuterovac is managing expectations, advising against placing excessive pressure on the swimmers. "I wouldn't want to set any expectations for them; they have enough ambition and expectations themselves," Kuterovac said. "Too high expectations can push an athlete into agony, and that's not good."

“

I wouldn't want to set any expectations for them; they have enough ambition and expectations themselves. Too high expectations can push an athlete into agony, and that's not good.