Palinovec Firefighters Crowned Olympic Champions in Austria

The women's "A" team from the Volunteer Firefighting Association (DVD) of Palinovec has achieved a historic success, securing a gold medal at the XVIII International Firefighting Olympics held in Eisenstadt, Austria. This victory places Međimurje's firefighting efforts among the world's elite, marking one of the most significant achievements in the history of voluntary firefighting in both the region and Croatia.

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Međimurje has Olympic winners! The women's "A" team of the Volunteer Firefighting Association of Palinovec won the gold medal at the XVIII International Firefighting Olympics in Austrian Eisenstadt, achieving one of the greatest successes in the history of Međimurje, and Croatian voluntary firefighting.

The triumphant team, comprising Maria Murković Srpak, Ema Perković, Nina Klobučarić, Ana Jančec, Petra Hajdarović, Katarina Jančec, Iva Fileš, Viktorija Horvat, Ema Hajdarović, Mija Horvat, and Tihana Srpak Čemerika, was coached by Ivan Petar Srpak. The success was also attributed to the dedication of DVD Palinovec President Franjo Jančec, fellow association members, mentors, families, and supporters.

Croatia was represented by four teams from Međimurje at the prestigious competition, including three from DVD Palinovec and one from DVD Gardinovec, all of whom qualified through strong performances at the national competition in Novalja. While Palinovec's women's team claimed the top prize, other teams also achieved notable results. In the men's "A" category, DVD Gardinovec finished 15th, DVD Palinovec was 26th, and in the men's "B" category, Palinovec secured 21st place.

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Palinovčanke, with a top performance, surpassed competitors from all over the world and brought Olympic gold to Croatia, once again confirming that Međimurje firefighting belongs to the very top of the world.

Upon their return to Palinovec, the Olympic champions received a grand welcome from residents, friends, families, and fellow firefighters. They were greeted by Međimurje County Prefect Matija Posavec, Deputy Prefect and President of the Međimurje County Firefighting Association Mario Medved, Mayor of Donji Kraljevec Miljenko Horvat, local council president Vladimir Sabol, and Commander of the Međimurje County Firefighting Association Robert Meglić. The article highlights that this success is a testament to years of dedicated work, discipline, and sacrifice, uniting the entire Međimurje region.

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Great congratulations are deserved by the president of DVD Palinovec Franjo Jančec, as well as all members of the Association, mentors, families, and numerous supporters who contributed to this exceptional result with their years of work and support.