Former Olympian: 'A shadow has been cast on the soul of sport, on thousands of honest workers in sport'

Večernji List (HR) highlights the concerns of Ivana Brkljačić, a former Olympian and director, regarding the integrity of Croatian sports.

“

I don't want to comment on the specific case or the Croatian Ski Association, because those questions have not yet been answered by those who should know first. What I can comment on is the evident unwillingness of the sports system for crisis communication. There is a lack of swift action and effective damage control. While waiting for reactions, space is left for speculation. The damage reflects on all other sports and casts a shadow on thousands of honest workers.

Brkljačić expresses alarm over a recent scandal, stating it has cast a "shadow on the soul of sport" and unfairly tarnished the reputation of countless dedicated individuals. She criticizes the sports system's lack of effective crisis communication, which allows speculation to flourish and damages the image of all sports.

“

The hype is dangerous, but it arises precisely because there is no clear and concrete response from the system. While the media buzzes about millions, I see a different picture on the ground: a coach who is also the president, driver, and sponsor because she buys her own equipment and uses her own cards so that children have something to train with. These are people who dream of a sponsor like HEP, and then they read about scandals while struggling to make it easier for parents to pay membership fees or medical examinations that many can no longer afford. This is the true picture of Croatian sport that such scandals deeply offend.

The article contrasts the media's focus on alleged financial malfeasance with the reality faced by many on the ground: coaches who act as presidents, drivers, and sponsors, often using their own funds to support young athletes. Brkljačić emphasizes that sport is not a luxury but an investment in the community's future and children's health, arguing that neglecting it will lead to greater societal costs. She advocates for complete transparency in public funding, with accessible online platforms detailing every euro spent, to restore trust and protect the true spirit of sport.

“

Sport must never be treated as a cost, although many push that narrative, and scandals give them wind in their sails. I draw a parallel with culture and a system that is far more generously financed, and whose transparency is rarely discussed. Sport is an investment in the future of the community and the health of children, which is more important than ever in this digital age.