Croatian swimmers secure bronze in Paris relay, eyes on future championships

The Croatian national swimming team has returned from Paris with a bronze medal in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay, marking a significant achievement for the country's swimming future.

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This is such a discipline, hundredths of a second decide.

Jere Hribar, a key member of the relay team, shared his mixed feelings about the results. While pleased with the bronze medal, he expressed personal disappointment for not reaching the final in the 50m and 100m freestyle individual events. "It's such a discipline where hundredths of a second decide," Hribar explained, referring to his near miss in the 50m freestyle.

The relay team, which finished fourth at last year's European Championships in Belgrade, has now improved its standing. Hribar is optimistic about their prospects, stating, "This is a great generation, and I believe we will have something to show next year at the World Championships in China." The team's current time ranks them fifth in the world, making a World Championship final appearance a realistic goal, with the ultimate aim being qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.

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This is a great generation, and I believe we will have something to show next year at the World Championships in China.

Hribar also confirmed he will not participate in the Mediterranean Games to prioritize rest and avoid injury before returning to his studies in America. He wished his teammates luck in the upcoming competition. Toni Dragoja, the anchor swimmer for the relay, described the thrilling final moments of the race, recounting his determination to secure a medal and the disbelief upon realizing they had achieved bronze. He humorously blamed his teammates Jere and Vlaho for being faster than him in the qualifiers.

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I always swim last in the relay. I told the guys: 'Just leave me a small possibility to fight for a medal, don't fall too far behind.' And luckily, they didn't. I gave my all, I swam like crazy, and when I saw my lane light up at the finish, I knew we had won a medal.