Voices of Olympic Sports Ahead of HOO Elections: Wrestling Backs Varvodić, Weightlifting Backs Primorac

As the election for the new president of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) approaches, representatives from various Olympic sports are openly declaring their allegiances, revealing a divided landscape with differing visions for Croatian sports.

“

In our federation, we discussed this on June 15 and decided that the most important thing is to position our sport. We have aligned ourselves with traditional and major Olympic sports such as all team sports, football, basketball, handball, water polo, and volleyball, and swimming. We think wrestling also belongs there.

Vladimir Bregović, president of the Croatian Wrestling Federation and former mayor of Vrbovac, has publicly backed Josip Varvodić, president of the Croatian Swimming Federation. Bregović explained that his federation decided on June 15 to align with traditional and major Olympic sports, including team sports like football, basketball, handball, water polo, volleyball, and swimming, believing wrestling also belongs in this group. He acknowledged that both candidates, Dragan Primorac and Varvodić, are established figures but stated their support lies with Varvodić.

“

Why are people afraid? Why do so few leaders of smaller federations dare to say who they will vote for? Why are they so reserved?

Bregović also addressed the widespread hesitancy among leaders of smaller federations to declare their support publicly. He attributed this fear to potential repercussions from the winning candidate, although he personally believes such fears are unrealistic. He understands the apprehension, especially if HOO employees have contacted these leaders, but expressed confidence that merit, not political affiliation, will prevail. Bregović advocated for secret balloting, citing the psychology of crowds and past experiences in political elections where pressure and promises were common.

“

They fear repercussions they might face from the winning candidate. I don't think it's realistic to expect the winning candidate to penalize someone who didn't vote for them. But if people are afraid, I understand them, especially if HOO employees have contacted them.

He noted that while both candidates have engaged with his federation, he has not personally met Varvodić. Bregović's departure from politics stemmed from his disillusionment with the electoral process. He emphasized that his federation's stance is official and that they have communicated it clearly. The debate over secret versus public voting is a significant point, with many leaders fearing backlash for their choices, underscoring the complex political dynamics at play within Croatian sports governance.

“

Because many are afraid to express their opinion publicly, the vote should be secret. That's crowd psychology.