Winter Paralympics: Historic First Gold Medal for Croatia

Dino Sokolovic claims gold (Photo: Paraolimpiac/ Damir Senčar/HINA)

Dino Sokolovic has claimed Croatia’s first ever gold medal at a Winter Paralympics with a sensational win in the Men’s Slalom – Sitting event at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang, South Korea today.

Sokolovic claimed gold on Saturday with a time of 1:39.82 ahead of second-placed finisher Tyler Walker (1:40.55)
from the United States and bronze medal winner Frederic Francois from France (1:42.03).

“After finishing third after the first run I never expected I would win gold,” said the delighted Croatian, who dedicated the medal to his wife Barbara and daughter Vita.

Dino wins Croatia’s first-ever gold (Photo: Paraolimpiac/ Damir Senčar/HINA)

Dino lost the use of his legs after a horrific car accident in 2003 when he was 14 years old. The accident claimed the life of his mother and two brothers.

After the accident, Dino took up swimming before switching to skiing. Before he headed off the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang Dino said that a medal would fulfill all his dreams – now they have come true.

Yesterday Croatia claimed its first ever medal at the Winter Paralympics when Bruno Bosnjak won bronze after finishing third in the snowboarding event.

Bruno Bosnjak won Croatia’s first ever medal – a bronze (Photo credit: Damir Senčar/HINA)

“I am delighted to be part of the history of Croatian performances at the Winter Paralympics by winning the first medal for my homeland, and I dedicate this success to my parents, trainers and all those who believed in me,” said Bošnjak.