What comes next for Barbara Matić?

Barbara Matić has written her name into Croatian sporting history. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games she became the first Croatian judoka to win an Olympic gold medal, confirming her status as one of the most successful athletes her country has ever produced.

The judoka from Split had already established herself among the elite before her Olympic triumph. She became world champion in 2021 in Budapest and defended her title in 2022 in Tashkent, adding a world bronze medal in Doha in 2023. She also claimed the European title in Zagreb in 2024 after earlier European bronze medals in 2014, 2017 and 2019.

Matić’s talent was evident from a young age. She became junior world champion in 2013 and 2014 and also won the European junior titles in those same years. She first discovered judo at the age of seven after a school presentation by coaches Vladimir and Slavko Preradovic, who would later guide her development.

Despite her global success, Matić remains deeply connected to her hometown of Split, where she enjoys celebrating her victories with the local community. Since her Olympic success she has received numerous invitations and recently appeared as an ambassador during the Winter Olympic Games.

Whether she will continue competing on the World Judo Tour remains uncertain. Inspired by Croatian skiing legend Janica Kostelić, Matić is also thinking about life beyond competition. With strong family values and future ambitions outside sport, the double world champion appears ready for whatever comes next.

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