Croatia’s Matea Kolovrat wins world taekwondo gold
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Croatia’s Matea Kolovrat wins world taekwondo gold (Photo: Private album)
On the final day of the World Deaf Taekwondo Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Croatian Matea Kolovrat clinched the gold medal in the under 67-kilogram category.
The World Championships began with an impressive performance by Petra Goleš, who secured the title of world champion in the under 49-kilogram category.
However, the narrative gained even greater depth when Matea Kolovrat concluded the competition by winning the gold medal.
(Photo: Private album)
Kolovrat, already an incumbent Olympic champion and world and European champion, defended her world champion title with her victory, bringing Croatia its fourth gold since 2018.
What makes this story exceptional is not only the sporting success but also the symbolism it represents. Matea Kolovrat and Petra Goleš are proof that with support, dedication, and infrastructure, deaf female athletes can compete at the highest level.
(Photo: Private album)
At the Marjan Taekwondo Club, they have everything they need—from sparring partners to a professional team including coaches, physiotherapists, fitness trainers, and other experts.
Their success demonstrates that deaf athletes, like Kolovrat and Goleš, are equally capable and talented as their hearing counterparts. Matea Kolovrat is not only a world champion in deaf taekwondo but also remarkably successful in competitions against hearing athletes.
Her journey to the title of world champion among the deaf was impressive—with dominant victories in every round of competition, including the final bout against her Greek opponent.
(Photo: Private album)
“I had a demanding year after an injury with a lot of training and therapy, but thank God, that’s all behind me now. It feels amazing to be a triple world champion! This is a collective success that I owe to my coach, physiotherapist, home club Marjan, and the Croatian Sports Association of the Deaf!” – stated Kolovrat.
(Photo: Private album)
Coach Veljko Laura Šišo also achieved remarkable success, securing the second place in the selection for the best coach, further confirming the outstanding quality of work and dedication he provides to his athletes.
(Photo: Private album)
This success story of Matea Kolovrat and Petra Goleš highlights the importance of support, equal opportunities, and equality in sports for all, regardless of any obstacles. Their example inspires and motivates many to pursue their dreams and fulfill their full potential in sports and life.
