Croatian Olympic internet sensation Josip Vrlić reveals his favourite meal 

Josip Vrlić in the middle has gone viral (Photo: HVS)

Croatian water polo player Josip Vrlić has joined a small group of athletes at the Paris Olympics who have taken the internet by storm and gone viral.

Just like Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, also known as the “coolest shooter in the world,” who famously won a silver medal without wearing any protective gear, it is hard not to have seen Vrlić pop up in social media feeds this week. The posts featuring the Croatian star have had over 30 million views. 

In the realm of competitive swimming and other aquatic sports, athletes often exhibit sculpted, Greek god-like physiques, with muscles that seem carved out of granite.

However, Vrlić’s physicality is a departure from this norm, as his so-called “dad bod” has resonated with fans, especially women.

Absolute unit on the Croatian Water Polo squad. This is what elite athletic excellence looks like. pic.twitter.com/pRObFt6xvd

— Lomez (@L0m3z) August 8, 2024

Fans and commentators alike have celebrated Vrlić’s physique, with many acknowledging the exceptional genetics and strength required to excel in water polo. Social media has been flooded with positive comments, such as:

• “Water polo is an incredibly demanding sport. Having this physique while being an outstanding player requires superhuman genetics, and people understand this as soon as they see him.”

• “Perfect water polo build.”

• “I don’t care what you say; this physique is attractive.”

• “Most viewers will never understand the physicality of water polo. Above the water, it looks like handball. Below the waterline, it’s like Greco-Roman wrestling.”

• “Thank you, my athletic friend, for representing all of us. Much love.”

So what does the 198 cm, 130-kilogram giant, nicknamed in Croatia “Rock from Kvarner,” like to eat?

Vrlić revealed in an interview with Večernji list that his favorite dish is punjene paprika or stuffed peppers.

According to Vrlić, his sister Jelena prepares the best version of this beloved meal.

Below is a recipe for how to make punjene paprika.

Punjene paprike (Photo: CroChef/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Paprika – 4 large, fresh (sweet Bianca/Babura)

• Minced meat – 500 g mixed (pork/beef)/1.1 pound

• Rice – 1 tablespoon

• Egg – 1

• Onion – 1

• Garlic – 3 cloves

• Parsley – 1 teaspoon chopped

• Tomato puree – 700 ml/24 ounces

• Bay leaf – 1

• Sugar

• Salt

• Pepper

Instructions

1. Wash the peppers and, with a knife, cut out the stem at the top and then remove the seeds inside, leaving a hole at the top of the peppers to put the minced meat inside. Make sure the hole is not too big so the filling stays in better.

2. In a bowl, mix together the egg, washed rice, chopped onions, garlic, and parsley. Add the minced meat, season with salt and pepper, and mix with your hands. Stuff the mixture inside the cleaned peppers.

3. In a pot, add olive oil and two tablespoons of flour and fry until light brown, then add the tomato puree, water, salt, pepper, and bay leaf, and let it boil.

4. Then add the stuffed peppers, add more water, cover, and cook on low heat for 45 minutes.

5. Prepare mashed potatoes.

Punjene paprike (Photo: CroChef/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Ready to serve…dobar tek!