Croatian Teen Wins Historic Judo Bronze at World Championships

Marko Vujica has secured a historic bronze medal for Croatia, marking the nation's first-ever male cadet judo achievement at the World Championships held in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The 17-year-old judoka, representing JK Samobor, competed in the over 90 kg category. In a decisive bronze medal match, Vujica faced Alibek Durdiev, the tournament's top seed from Uzbekistan. Vujica secured the victory with an ippon after only 36 seconds of intense combat.

"I am reporting from Guayaquil after a demanding day that I will surely remember," Vujica stated. "I knew the Uzbek was good, first in the world rankings and the top seed. Much bigger than me, but I believed in myself and knew I could beat him, which, thank God, happened."

He described the day as phenomenal, perhaps more mentally challenging than physically, but emphasized the importance of bringing home the medal they had worked towards all season. Croatia sent two competitors to the event; Vita Hudika also competed but lost in the first round of the under 70kg category.