Croatian Taekwondo National Team member Iva Radoš is second in the world in the up to 73 kilo category after defeating the Olympic winner and taking gold at the Slovenia Open
In a line of great results, with 15 senior and another 25 medals in junior and cadet categories, the success of 22-year-old Zagreb native Iva Radoš stands out, after she defeated in the finals of the up to 73 kilo category Milica Mandić from Serbia, Olympic winner from London 2012, one of the best in the world lately, Jutarnji List reported on March 1, 2017.
“This was not my first win over Milica. We duelled at least ten times before, but clearly any win is good, nice and sweet,” said Iva.
“The point of our matches is that we try to “trick” each other, outsmart the other as we know each other perfectly. We’re also good friends. I found the tournament in Maribor interesting as there were new rules, more work and the fights are more agile.”
The win in Maribor is an excellent intro to a new Olympic cycle, although it seems the key points will be gained in 2019 and first half of 2020.
“Oh no, these points are already going toward Tokyo 2020. Every fight, every point in the next three years are important in the entire cycle. Everything counts for Tokyo. At the end of each calendar year some points are deducted, but still… every single fight and point matter.”
This makes the gold from Slovenia even more important.
“Not only that, it is very important for me to be among the four best in the world and remain there until the World Championship in Korea in June.”
