In Paris though, she arrived with two world titles, world number one status and a starting position at the top of the sheet. Reaching the top step of the Olympic podium was never guaranteed but she had the perfect platform from which to jump into the event and also an evidenced confidence as her companion.
“I haven’t realised yet, it still feels like another competition for me, maybe like a different Paris Grand Slam, but I’m sure I will feel it soon.
When I started judo, we were a very small federation. Marijana Hasanbegovic took those first international medals and then we followed and together we grew up. When I was a child, the Croatian Olympic Committee followed us from early and my cadet and junior medals came as part of the process.”
Barbara was junior world champion twice and all looked to be on track for a stellar senior career, with the federation and Olympic committee working together to make the best provisions for the athletes. “We grew together, me and the federation.”
Croatian Judo Federation president, Dr Sanda Corak was emotional to see both Barbara and the federation claim such an impressive win, “This Olympic Games was different. There has never been an Olympic medal in judo before for Croatia so although we have enjoyed the world championships each year, the several years of an Olympic cycle mean it is not so easy to do the same at this level. In Tokyo we expected a medal but Barbara placed 5th and everyone was so sad, especially Barbara.”
Barbara continued, “I told Sanda after the semi-final that there can be no tears yet because I still had one more fight to go. She’s allowed to cry after the final."
"I don’t remember having anything in my mind at all during the final. It was the same feeling as in my first world final. I already had an Olympic medal, a gold or a silver, that was certain, and I had a good overall record against Miriam Butkereit (GER), but she’s the only one who’s beaten me in recent times, including in Paris at the grand slam so that brought a little pressure. However, because of that loss I knew I had to be more focused and I was."
"My coach said to me that only Nagase and I were dominating our categories so strongly and so I wanted to complete the task. I felt really good and I know I’m in good shape. I was motivated. I have had the same coach right from the beginning. Vladimir Preradovic is my personal coach and my national coach and his whole family is part of this success. He facilitated the technical level and the planning.”
The medal means a lot to the federation and both Sanda and Barbara see it is a great focal point for the next stage of judo development in Croatia. Sanda added, This success now gives us a new way to attract more boys and girls to come to judo. We can say that we take care of our coach education, running seminars twice per year and ensuring all courses are professionally run. In top of that base, Barbara is now a real role model for new girls coming to judo and with this proof, this Olympic gold medal, we can do it again in the future. We have a lot of hope for the next Olympic Games in 2028. Kristo, Oberan, Cvjetko and many more are coming, proving themselves already as great prospects throughout this Paris cycle. I’s sure we will have minimum of four women qualified in Los Angeles.”
Barbara smiles at Sanda throughout, “Everyone is asking me now when we will see the gold backnumber appear. A little rest is needed now but I have to see what is in my heart and if the fire is still there, then I will continue.
I knew I could be Olympic champion but I was afraid to say it out loud. I had won 4 gold medals and a bronze this year and I had a lot of people behind me and supporting me but none of that can cement the medal. I had to do it on the day and I did. It’s been a long time coming for both me and for Croatia.”
If there were a message from the new Croatian Olympic champion to the young judoka just making their way, Barbara’s is this, “Believe in yourself and train well and you can make your dreams come true.”