PHOTOS: Croatia’s new ski sensation welcomed home after world cup globe win

by croatiaweek
March 29, 2025
in Sport

(Photo Grad Zagreb)

Zagreb welcomed home its latest sporting champion, Zrinka Ljutić, as she returned home on Saturday after making history by winning the 2024/25 Slalom World Cup title.

The 21-year-old arrived at Franjo Tuđman Airport, where she was greeted by Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, Deputy Mayor Luka Korlaet, and Head of the City Office for Education, Sport and Youth, Luka Juroš.

“Congratulations, Zrinka! You are the pride of Zagreb. This success is yours, and no one can take it away from you. We will do everything we can to ensure you can train on Crveni spust again,” said Mayor Tomašević, also extending his congratulations to the Ljutić family, the Croatian Ski Association, and all national team members who could not attend the celebration.

(Photo Grad Zagreb)

Ljutić’s homecoming marks a historic moment for Croatian skiing. She secured her first-ever Crystal Globe after a phenomenal season, winning three World Cup races in Semmering (Austria), Kranjska Gora (Slovenia), and Courchevel (France).

She also recorded four podium finishes and nine top-10 results, sealing the title with a 10th-place finish at the World Cup final in Sun Valley, USA.

(Photo Grad Zagreb)

Her rapid rise has drawn comparisons to Janica Kostelić, Croatia’s most decorated skier, who won four Olympic gold medals and three overall World Cup titles. Ljutić is only the second Croatian woman to claim the slalom World Cup title, following in Kostelić’s legendary footsteps.

Speaking to the media, Ljutić expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome but remained focused on what’s ahead. “There’s not much time to rest. An intense period of training in speed disciplines is ahead of me,” she said.