The Croatia rowing team, led by Olympic gold medalists Martin and Valent Sinković and bronze medalist Damir Martin, arrived at Zagreb Airport. The judo team led by the world champion Barbara Matić also arrived from Tokyo, reports Index.hr.
“I am sorry that we did not win a medal. I hope that our performances gave motivation to others to train better and stronger and that there will be more successful Games for us in Paris,” said Matić, who finished in fifth place.
Damir Martin was the next to stand in front of the microphone, holding his bronze medal after an incredible finish.
“Thank you for the welcome and messages of support. This medal is dedicated to my immediate family who always stood by me, went through the ups and downs with me. In the final, I was even a little short of winning silver. I am overjoyed, satisfied, and glad that Paris is in three years and there could be something beautiful there too. I look forward to your support,” Martin said.
“Thank you all for coming and supporting us. My brother Martin and I have been saying for years that we have great conditions, but we are trying to push Jarun for the next generations and make it a great place for all rowers for the next 30 years. We had support and we could work in peace. Only the two of us, the coach and our family know how difficult it was to change discipline. There were ups and downs. We will never perform in this discipline again. We are happy to return to our natural discipline. There was a wonderful atmosphere in Tokyo between us Croatian athletes, we support each other and there will be more medals,” said Valent Sinković and thus confirmed their return to double sculls.
“We have written history in world rowing. No one has ever done this. We have more fire in us to win great results,” added Martin Sinković.
In the evening, three of the four tennis Olympic medalists will arrive from Tokyo. They are Olympic gold medalists Mate Pavić / Nikola Mektić and silver medalist Marin Čilić. Ivan Dodig will continue from Tokyo to the United States, where new appearances await him soon.
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