Croatian Olympic Committee

January 30, 2022 – The Croatian Olympic Committee (COC), in cooperation with the Croatian Ski Federation (HSS), presented on Saturday the majority of the Croatia 2022 Winter Olympic Team which will compete in the Games in Beijing from 4 to 20 February.

Seven of the 11 Croatian representatives who will compete in Beijing – alpine skiers Andrea Komšić, Zrinka Ljutić and Matej Vidović, Nordic skiers Vedrana Malec, Marko Skender and Tena Hadžić and snowboarder Lea Jugovac – took part in a relaxed meeting with the media, while respecting the epidemiological measures in force.

Vice-President of the Croatian Olympic Committee Morana Paliković Gruden, State Secretary for Sports of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Tomislav Družak and Head of Mission of the Croatian Olympic Committee in Beijing Damir Šegota wished them great performances.

With COC Vice President’s emphasis on the importance of competition despite the pandemic and Secretary of State Druzak’s effective message (“Good luck, come back even happier”), Šegota had the thankless task to announce four PCR tests and other commitments necessary to operate in the Olympic villages of the Chinese capital.

Snowboarder Lea Jugovac explained her disciplines and hopes to make her Olympic Games debut to her satisfaction. Another rookie, cross-country skier Tena Hadžić, highlighted her happiness at becoming a Croatian Olympian at just 17, and her peer, alpine skier Zrinka Ljutić, said the same.

“It’s my first Games and I’m very excited about them. It’s really a special feeling when we are all together and fighting for Croatia,” said Ljutić, adding that she has great support from his representative colleagues, mainly Andrea Komšić, but also Leona Popović.

Andrea Komšić is going to the third Winter Olympics and wants to do her best, despite the announcement that the snow will not be good for the European representatives.

“I did well in the preparations, I feel good physically and mentally. As far as results are concerned, Leona opened our eyes this season and showed that it is possible,” said Komšić, adding that she felt very comfortable in the winter collection of the 4F brand, which hit the design again.

Matej Vidović will also be playing in his third Games. He made his debut in Sochi and competed in Pyongyang.

“I’m very motivated, I want to achieve something more than the competition itself. My form is at a high level and I want to use it to get the best possible result. Although the focus is on performance , not on the results, I would be happy to be in the top eight,” Vidović said.

Flag bearer Marko Skender wanted to stay healthy and compete in the first half of the competition in three cross-country disciplines. He had the most questions from reporters about carrying the flag, said he was not nervous, but promised he would perform the honorary act before leaving home.

Her Nordic colleague, Vedrana Malec, hopes for the best at her third and probably last Games. She pointed out that Croatian Nordic skiers train mainly in Slovenia, which has become their reality.

“For the second time we will be wearing 4F gear and I can say it is excellent again – quality, comfortable and designed so that we are always recognizable as Croatian Olympians,” she concluded.

Croatian Olympic athletes will travel to China on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Source: HRT

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