For Blanka Vlašić athletics was a part of her life as well as her calling from an early age. Born in Split, Croatia, on November 8 1983, the daughter of Croatian decathlon record holder Joško Vlašić, she found herself at home in track & field.

Soon enough, she began to excel in athletics and in particular, in the high jump. At the age of 16, she exploded onto the international sports scene, participating in her first Olympic Games.

She went on to become a double Olympic medallist (silver, bronze), a two-time World Champion and a European Champion. Since 2004, she also holds the Croatian high jump record, which she gained at the age of just 21.

Unity through sports

A symbol for excellence in athletics, Blanka embodies joy and she’s passionate about creating unity through sports.

As a passionate member of the Peace and Sport Club, a group of over 110 high level sports personalities who are committed to the peace through sport movement, she acts as a role-model for young people throughout the world.

Through her role as a Champion for Peace, she supports sport projects which tackle a variety of social issues and promote social cohesion.

As a valued Ambassador for the European Week of Sport 2021, Blanka Vlašić answered a few of our questions about what sport means to her.

In three words only, describe what sports means to you?

Sacrifice, joy, peace.

Which is your favourite sports memory?

Jumping in front of my home crowd, full ‘Poljud’ stadium, 2010. Continental Cup. It was a day when one of my childhood dreams came true.

How do you stay motivated to #BeActive day in, day out?

That post workout feeling of satisfaction and peace motivates me to at least one workout per day.

For you, how does sports contribute to a healthy lifestyle?

Healthy body and clear mind with which you can strive in every of your daily tasks.

Outside your own sport, which one would you like to have mastered?

Volleyball :-)

Which is the one song you would recommend people listen to for when they want to #BeActive?
‘Faith’ by George Michael.