No medal for Croatia's double world runner-up Cvjetko; Oberan secures bronze

While the European Judo Championships did not bring the expected medal for Croatia's Lara Cvjetko, a two-time world runner-up, the event still offered moments of triumph and valuable lessons. Cvjetko's journey in the 70 kg category ended in disappointment as she fell in the bronze medal match to Spain's April Lynn Fohoud. This outcome, though disheartening, is a stark reminder of the fierce competition at the highest levels of judo, where even seasoned athletes can face defeat on any given day.

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This is my first European medal and I have no words. The day was long and exhausting, but when it ends like this, everything is forgotten.

The disappointment for Cvjetko is amplified by her previous successes, including two world silver medals and two European bronze medals. Her path to the medal rounds was blocked by a quarterfinal loss to Russia's Madina Taimazova, a formidable opponent who also proved challenging for other top judokas. The bronze medal match itself was a close contest, with Cvjetko taking an early lead before Fohoud equalized and ultimately secured the win in golden score.

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This achievement means a lot to me because it is proof of long-term work, effort, sweat, and tears. And this was worth the shed tears.

However, the Croatian team found reason for celebration thanks to Iva Oberan's impressive bronze medal victory in the 63 kg category. Oberan's achievement marks her first European medal and is a testament to her years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Her emotional reaction underscored the significance of this milestone, not just for her career but as a stepping stone towards even greater goals. The support from her teammates and coaches, including assistant coach Mateo Semiz, was crucial to her success.

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This is just one step towards some higher goals.

From a Croatian perspective, these championships highlight the depth and talent within our judo community. While Cvjetko's result is a setback, Oberan's success demonstrates the ongoing development and potential of our athletes. The Croatian Judo Federation, and publications like Večernji List, will continue to support these athletes, recognizing that even in defeat, there are valuable lessons learned and that future victories are within reach. The focus now shifts to upcoming competitions, with athletes like Helena Vuković, Petrunjela Pavić, and Mikita Sviryd (competing under the Croatian flag) set to represent the nation.

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Regardless of the numerous excellent results she has achieved and her ranking as the third-best judoka in the world, this is her greatest success because this is a medal at a major competition. And in the temple of judo in Tbilisi.