This week in Croatia, judo has been brought into the limelight, not just in normal judo circles, but in the wider sports arena, courtesy of Barbara Matic and Karla Prodan.

The Croatian Olympic Committee named Prodan their ‘Female Athlete of the Year’ from across all sports, citing her 2020 senior European bronze medal and u23 European silver as impressive individual achievements. Prodan is becoming a strong contender at all events, with two World Judo Tour medals now secured, following consistent progress through both the cadet and junior ranks.

Karla Prodan (CRO) with her award

Three-time European medalist and double junior world champion Barbara Matic has also been recognised, by the popular daily sports newspaper Sportske Novosti, also as ‘Athlete of the Year.’

Barbara Matic (CRO) with her award

This is an incredible accolade, decided by hundreds of sports journalists, those knowledgeable and experienced writers following global sport throughout their careers.

The Sportske Novosti Trophy has a special meaning and status in every Croatian sports fan’s home. During 2020 a sports show on Croatian national television (HTV) focussed on judo and on Miss Matic particularly and this has helped to highlight not only the athlete but the many positive aspects of a life in judo.

This is the first time in the 69 years of the publication that a martial arts competitor has been named as the athlete of the year. Barbara, originally from Split, has won 15 medals on the World Judo Tour and continues to deliver outstanding performances, such as her magnificent day at -70kg at the 2020 Hungary Grand Slam, where she was victorious against 3 current world medalists.

Barbara Matic on the top spot at the 2020 Hungary Grand Slam

Both Matic and Prodan will compete at the IJF World Masters in Doha in January of 2021.

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