Multiple Olympic and world medallist are back in Zagreb

The oldest sports event in Croatia, Boris Hanžeković memorijal will be, for the second year in a row, held as a three-day event.

The 8 September is reserved for both women’s and men’s long jump (start at 6 pm) at the main Zagreb’s square – Ban Jelačić Square. Ivan Ivančić Memorijal, men’s Shot Put competition, will take place at the magical Zagreb’s fountains on 9 September (start at 7 pm) while running and more jumping and throwing events will be welcomed at SRC Mladost on 10 September (start at 5 pm). Zagreb will again host multiple Olympic and world champions, as well as world record holders.

Local start are excited to compete at the Boris Hanžeković memorijal as well. The first Croatian who ran 800m at the world championships Marino Bloudek announced a sub 1:46 race in Zagreb.

I am really pleased with my performance at the World Championships. I came to Budapest ranked 46th and finished 27th. I was just a little short of advancing to the semifinals. I am ready to run faster than 1:46. Ben Pattison will also compete, the bronze medallist from the World Championships, performing well this season, and running with him will be a big challenge for me,” said Bloudek.

And our best discus thrower, Martin Marković, who set a personal best of 65.69m this season, will have strong competitors.

„I have been waiting for this season for a long time, and I hope my progress will continue. Budapest was my second World Championships. I’m not completely satisfied because I was prepared for a personal best, but I could not achieve it. The competition in Zagreb is always exceptionally strong. World silver medallist Kristjan Čeh (SLO) will be there, along with two more world championships finalists with results over 70 meters – Matt Denny (AUS) and Fedrick Dacres (JAM). That’s the top level of discus throwing, and I’m looking forward to competing with them.“,  says Marković.

Double Olympic and double world discus throw champion, Sandra Perković, was visibly disappointed with her fifth place in Budapest, but now she is fully prepared for the season’s finale. She will once again be the biggest star of the Boris Hanžeković memorijal, where she has won ten times so far.

„This season has been quite challenging. I trained throughout the winter, but I suffered two injuries right before the competition – first my tendon, then my ankle. I managed to return, but I needed more competitions before Budapest. It was not realistic to expect more, even though I am worth more than I showed. Still, I had the best throw of the season, achieved the Olympic standard, and I hope to quickly get back to the top,“ said Sandra, who has a demanding schedule until the end of the season.

“The pace is intense. The Boris Hanžeković memorijal and Eugene, where the Diamond League final will be held, are close, with only a week apart. I know the competition is fierce, and I have no doubt that the top of the world’s discus throwers will be here as always. Zagreb should be the place where I regain my smile,” concluded our best female discus thrower.

Foto: Renato Branđolica/BHM

Natko Bošnjak, the project manager of the Boris Hanžeković memorijal, shared a series of interesting organizational details and announced a few more world stars.

“Our biggest challenge this year was overcoming the consequences of the storm that hit Zagreb and damaged the discus throwing area at Mladost. However, with the help of the city of Zagreb, we managed to repair it. The Diamond League also helped us by lending us a discus cage, so in a way, we now have the Diamond League in Zagreb,” said Bošnjak.

He added that on Ban Jelačić Square, former world champion and Budapest bronze medalist Tajay Gayle (JAM) will be among those competing, and in the 100m hurdles, Olympic champion and world silver medallist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (PUR) will be our guest.

“Entry is free on the first two days, and tickets for the third day are available through the ulaznice.hr system. One-third of the capacity is still available, so hurry to secure your seats in the stadium.”

 

 

Foto: Renato Branđolica/BHM 

Among the other activities of the 73rd Boris Hanžeković memorijal, Bošnjak highlighted the First BHM athletics conference with panels on the organisation of major competitions and the World Athletics ranking system, as well as the BHM Warm-Up Party, during which scholarships will be awarded to the most promising Croatian athletes. Registrations for the First BHM athletics conference are open until 8 September.