From Dubrava to European bronze: Toni Dragoja swims career-best leg

Croatian swimming has returned to the European podium in a 50-meter pool after a decade, with Zagreb swimmer Toni Dragoja playing a pivotal role in a historic bronze medal win at the European Championships in Paris. Dragoja, a member of the Dubrava Swimming Club, was the sole representative from a Zagreb club in the Croatian 4x100m freestyle relay team that achieved this significant feat.

The final race saw Jere Hribar lead off with 47.77 seconds, followed by Vlaho Nenadić (47.96) and Vili Sivec (48.24). Croatia entered the final leg in fifth place, but Dragoja delivered a stunning performance, swimming his split in 47.11 seconds. This powerful leg propelled Croatia past Spain and Great Britain, securing the bronze medal with a new national record of 3:11.08.

Only Hungary, the European champions, and a neutral Russian team swam faster. Dragoja's 47.11 was the fastest split for the Croatian team and the third-fastest anchor leg in the entire final. The Croatian team improved the national record twice in one day, first in the morning qualifiers (3:13.06) and then significantly in the final, surpassing the previous record of 3:13.91 set in 2024.

This bronze medal marks Croatia's first European Championship medal in a 50-meter pool since 2016 and the first for the men's 4x100m freestyle relay. Dragoja, who studies and trains at the University of Alabama, maintains a close working relationship with his long-time coach Goran Kežman, who has provided crucial support, especially during Dragoja's recovery from knee surgery in late 2025. Dragoja also competed individually in the 100m freestyle, finishing 21st.