Born: 1994 (Split, Croatia)
Biography:
Barbara Matić, born on December 3, 1994, in Split, Croatia, is a renowned judoka who has made significant contributions to the sport. With her exceptional skills and determination, she has achieved numerous accolades and has become a notable figure in women’s judo.
Matić’s journey in judo began early in her life, and she quickly demonstrated her talent. In 2009, she showcased her abilities by claiming the bronze medal at the Cadet World Championships. The following year, at the European Cadet Championships, Matić emerged victorious, cementing her status as a rising star in the judo world.
The 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore further established Matić as a force to be reckoned with. Competing in the weight class up to 63 kilograms, she won two bronze medals, one in the individual competition and another in the team competition with a mixed team. These achievements served as a testament to Matić’s skill and potential.
In 2011, Matić transitioned to the middleweight division, competing in the weight class up to 70 kilograms. Standing at 1.71 meters tall, Matić embraced the challenge and continued to excel. She clinched a bronze medal at the U20 European Championships and went on to secure fifth-place finishes at both the Junior World Championships and the U23 European Championships that same year.
The following year proved to be equally promising for Matić. In 2012, she earned silver medals at both the U20 European Championships and the U23 European Championships, solidifying her status as a top contender. Matić’s dedication and hard work paid off when she won her first Croatian championship title in 2013, with another victory in 2018. She further proved her mettle by claiming victories at the European Junior Championships and the Junior World Championships in the same year.
Continuing her upward trajectory, Matić reached the quarterfinals of the European Championships in 2014, narrowly missing out on a medal. However, she showcased her resilience and claimed a bronze medal by defeating Sally Conway of Britain and María Bernabéu of Spain in the hopeful round. Four months later, Matić secured a fifth-place finish at the 2014 World Championships, solidifying her position among the world’s top judokas.
The year 2015 brought a new challenge for Matić as the European Championships were held as part of the European Games in Baku. Despite a tough loss in the early rounds against Juliane Robra of Switzerland, Matić remained focused on her goals. However, at the 2015 World Championships in Astana, she faced another early exit, losing in her opening match to Kim Polling of the Netherlands.
In 2017, Matić experienced both triumph and disappointment at the European Championships in Warsaw. While she was defeated in the semifinals by Giovanna Scoccimarro of Germany, Matić managed to bounce back and secure the bronze medal against Anna Bernholm of Sweden. The World Championships in Budapest presented a new challenge for Matić, as she faced a defeat in the opening match against Maria Bernabeu of Spain.
The IJF Masters tournament in 2017 marked another significant achievement for Matić, as she finished second behind Maria Portela of Brazil. This result demonstrated her consistent high-level performance on the international stage. The following year, Matić experienced further success when she clinched her second Croatian championship title.
In 2021, Matić reached the pinnacle of her career when she won the World Championships, earning the gold medal and confirming her status as one of the best judokas in the world. Matić’s triumph continued in 2022 when she defended her title and secured another gold medal at the World Championships. Her outstanding technical skills, strong spirit, and relentless determination have made her an inspiration to aspiring judokas worldwide.
Awards:
– World Championships: Gold Medal (2021, 2022)
– European Championships: Bronze Medal (2014, 2017, 2019)
– Cadet World Championships: Bronze Medal (2009)
– European Cadet Championships: Gold Medal (2010)
– Summer Youth Olympics: Bronze Medal (2010, Individual Competition up to 63kg)