Born: 1983 (Split, SR Croatia, Yugoslavia)
Biography:
Blanka Vlašić is a Croatian former track and field athlete who specialized in the high jump. She is a two-time world champion and double Olympic medalist who ranks as the joint second-highest female jumper of all time with her personal best of 2.08 meters (6 feet 9+3⁄4 inches). Born on November 8, 1983, in Split, SR Croatia (at the time part of Yugoslavia), Vlašić had a strong athletic pedigree. Her father, Joško Vlašić, was an international athlete who broke the Croatian record in the decathlon, while her mother, Venera, was a seasoned amateur in basketball and cross-country skiing.
From a young age, Vlašić was involved in sports, and her father’s influence played a significant role in her development as an athlete. Her father would often bring her to the track while he practiced, and she dreamed of becoming a professional sprinter. However, as she grew up, Vlašić discovered that the high jump was particularly well-suited to her tall and slender frame. Despite the potential for more lucrative sports, such as basketball, Vlašić shunned the idea of competing in team sports and preferred the thrill of individual sports.
Vlašić quickly established herself as Croatia’s top female high jumper, setting personal bests at an early age. At the age of fifteen, she cleared the international standard for high jump by reaching a height of 1.80 meters. Just a year later, at sixteen, she improved her personal best to 1.93 meters. Vlašić’s rapid progression in the sport marked her as a rising star.
In 2000, Vlašić represented Croatia for the first time at the Sydney Olympics. Although she was only sixteen years old, she showcased her potential by competing on the Olympic stage. This early international experience would set the foundation for her future success.
Vlašić’s junior career continued to flourish as she won the World Junior Championships in Athletics in both 2000 and 2002, further establishing her as one of the brightest talents in high jump. As she transitioned to the senior level, Vlašić faced challenges and setbacks. In 2004, she broke the Croatian national record in the high jump and won her first world senior medal at the World Indoor Championships. However, a hyperthyroid condition hindered her second Olympic appearance in Athens, and she spent the 2005 season recuperating from surgery.
Despite these setbacks, Vlašić’s determination and resilience propelled her comeback in 2006, where she took the silver at the World Indoor Championships. The 2007 season marked a turning point for Vlašić as she displayed remarkable form. She went on to win the 2007 World Championships, becoming a world champion for the first time. This success continued in 2008 when she became the indoor world champion.
However, Vlašić faced a narrow loss at the Beijing Olympics later that year, where she took silver. Determined to reclaim her status as the best high jumper in the world, Vlašić bounced back in 2009 by winning her second World Championship title. Her impressive performances and consistency led to numerous accolades, including the IAAF World Athlete of the Year in 2010 and the European Athlete of the Year trophy in 2007 and 2010.
Throughout her career, Vlašić’s influence extended beyond the track. She inspired countless individuals with her perseverance, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Vlašić’s achievements not only elevated her own status but also put Croatia on the map as a force to be reckoned with in high jump.
As a trailblazer in women’s high jump, Vlašić’s legacy will always be remembered. Her unwavering dedication to the sport and her extraordinary achievements continue to inspire future generations of athletes in Croatia and around the world.
Awards:
– Two-time World Champion
– Double Olympic Medalist
– IAAF World Athlete of the Year 2010
– European Athlete of the Year 2007, 2010