„Even though the 75th Boris Hanžeković Memorial will be held this early in the season, I am expressing my thanks to Alfons Juck, who managed to get the best athletes in the world to come and to compete in Zagreb,“ expressed Natko Bošnjak, Meeting Director.
„We secretly hope to see the first 22-meter throw in men’s shot put in the 2025 outdoor season,“ said Alfons Juck, the Zagreb Meeting Athletes’ manager.
The meeting record of 22.98m belongs to Ryan Crouser, the current world champion and Olympic gold medallist. Unfortunately, Crouser will not be in Zagreb this year due to an elbow injury. Tom Walsh (NZL) has thrown 21.65m this year, and his personal best is 22.90m. He has five victories in Zagreb – one less than Crouser – so this is his chance to even the score.
„It is my eleventh time competing in Zagreb. I managed to get five out of ten victories and for this year’s Ivan Ivančić Memorial I hope to surpass Ryan Crouser’s five wins and throw further than 22 meter.“
Roger Steen (USA) is the current world indoor silver medallist. He has a 21.62m season’s best but his personal best stands at 22.08m.
„In the past two years, I threw 21.41m here. I believe I can do better now with such strong competition. My goal is also to surpass 22m.“
For the first time in the history of the Meeting, the women’s high jump competition will take place at the Zagreb fountains. Previously, Zagreb’s main square hosted the long jump and pole vault, so this is a new addition to the meeting.
The 25-year-old Jamaican Lamara Distin is the only athlete in the Zagreb lineup who has cleared 200cm so far. This season, she has jumped 192cm. Three years ago, she won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“This is my first time in Zagreb and my first competition abroad this season. Even though Jamaica is better known for sprinters, I never doubted my decision. My form is good, there’s no limit – the rest depends on the moment.”
Croatia’s own Jana Koščak, the world U20 heptathlon champion, will be the local hopeful. This season, she cleared 191cm, just shy of her personal best of 192 cm.
„This is my second appearance at this meeting – last year I did the long jump, and now I will do the high jump. Maybe by the end, I will even do a full heptathlon. I am hoping to clear over 190cm. This year, my goals include competing at the European U20 Championships in Finland – where I am aiming for gold – and then I hope to compete at the World Championships in Tokyo.“
The grand opening of the exhibition “An Indelible Mark on world athletics” was held at the National and University Library in Zagreb. In attendance were numerous representatives of public and local authorities, from cultural, tourism, and sports institutions, as well as the athletes.
All information about the 75th Boris Hanžeković memorijal can be found here.