Last summer we interviewed Barbara Matić and she told us her aim of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics. It was a delight to watch her dreams come true as she became the first Croatian Judoka to win gold at Paris 2024.
We just had to catch up with her again and talk about her incredible victory and the experience she had being the flag bearer of the Croatian delegation.
Who is Barbara Matić?
Barbara Matić, born on December 3, 1994, in Split, Croatia, is a prominent figure in the -70kg weight category in Judo. As an Olympic Champion, three-time Olympian, double World Champion, and World bronze medallist, Barbara has firmly established herself as a top competitor in the sport.
Her crowning achievement came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she made history by becoming Croatia’s first Judo Olympic Champion against Miriam Butkereit. This victory, along with her gold medals at the World Championships in 2021 (Budapest) and 2022 (Tashkent), highlights her exceptional talent and dedication.
Barbara’s journey to success includes a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships in Doha and a 5th place finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She also competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, showcasing her consistent presence on the world stage. Her European Championship accolades include bronze medals in 2014, 2017, 2019, and a gold at the 2024 European Judo Championships, further solidifying her status as a leading judoka.
In her junior years, Barbara was a double Junior European and Junior World Champion in 2013 and 2014. Throughout her career, she has amassed an impressive collection of medals: 1 Masters (silver), 9 Grand Slam (3 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze), and 13 Grand Prix (5 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze). Her consistent excellence has earned her the top spot on the IJF World Ranking List multiple times.
The Road to Gold: Paris Olympics 2024 Results
Wednesday 31st July Women’s 70kg
- Round of 16 (10-0): Won vs Kim Polling (Italy)
- Quarterfinals (10-0): Won vs Ai Tsunoda (Spain)
- Semifinal A (10-0): Won vs Sanne van Dijke (Netherlands)
- Final (1-0): Won vs Miriam Butkereit (Germany)
Interview with Barbara Matić
Congratulations on winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics! Can you describe the emotions you felt standing on the podium with the gold medal? How does this achievement compare to your previous accomplishments?
Thank you! Standing on the podium in Paris was a moment of pure joy and fulfilment. The emotions were intense—pride, relief, and gratitude all mixed together. Winning an Olympic gold is the ultimate achievement in any athlete’s career, and it surpasses everything I’ve accomplished before. Every medal and title I’ve won has been special, but the Olympic gold is on another level. It’s a lifelong dream realized, and nothing compares to that feeling.
What was your strategy going into the Olympic Games in Paris? Did you have to adjust your approach in any of your matches to secure the gold?
My strategy for Paris was to stay focused on my strengths while being adaptable to different opponents. I knew I had to bring my best in every match, but also be ready to adjust if things didn’t go as planned. But fortunately, everything went according to plan without major problems.
How did the atmosphere and overall experience in the Olympic Village differ between the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics?
The atmosphere in Paris was much more vibrant and relaxed compared to Tokyo. The absence of strict COVID-19 protocols allowed for a more traditional Olympic experience. We could interact more freely with athletes from other countries, and the overall energy in the village was more celebratory. It felt like the Olympics were back to their full glory.
The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo were held under strict COVID-19 protocols. How did the absence of such restrictions in 2024 change the overall Olympic experience for you?
Without the COVID-19 restrictions, the experience in Paris felt more open and connected. In Tokyo, everything was very controlled and isolated, which made it hard to fully enjoy the Olympic spirit. In Paris, we could share moments with fellow athletes, family and friends, explore the city, and engage with the local culture, which made the experience much richer and more enjoyable.
Were there any specific aspects of the 2024 Games that felt more “normal” or traditional compared to the unique circumstances of the 2020 Olympics?
Yes, the presence of spectators was a huge difference. In Paris, having the crowd there, feeling their energy, and hearing the cheers made everything feel more alive and “normal.” It was like the Olympics we all know and love.
How did the crowd and audience support in Paris compare to what you experienced in Tokyo? Did this affect your performance or overall experience?
The crowd in Paris was incredible! Their energy and support were palpable, and it definitely gave me an extra boost during my matches. In Tokyo, with no spectators, it was a very different atmosphere—more subdued and focused. Having family and friends in the crowd behind me in Paris made the experience more emotional.
Can you describe any specific changes or improvements in your training regimen that contributed to your success in Paris?
In the lead-up to Paris, I focused heavily on refining my techniques and improving my mental toughness. I worked closely with my coaches to analyse my previous performances and identify areas for improvement. We also incorporated more recovery and mental training sessions to ensure I was not only physically ready but also mentally sharp for the Games.
Being ranked number 1 in the world is an incredible accomplishment. How did you feel when you first realized you had reached the top of the world rankings?
In previous years, I had the honour of being first in the rankings so it’s not my first time. It also motivated me to keep pushing myself more and more.
What does holding the number 1 ranking mean to you personally and professionally? How has it influenced your approach to competitions?
Personally, being number 1 is a tremendous honour and a reminder of how far I’ve come. Professionally, it means that I’m a target for every competitor, which brings its own set of challenges. It has influenced my approach by making me more focused and disciplined but I didn’t put that pressure on myself.
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As the world’s top-ranked judoka, do you feel an added pressure to maintain your position? How do you manage the expectations that come with being number 1?
There is definitely added pressure to maintain the number 1 ranking, but I try to see it as a privilege rather than a burden. I manage the expectations by focusing on my own goals and staying true to my training and preparation. I’ve learned to embrace the pressure and use it as motivation to keep improving and evolving as an athlete.
How do you stay focused and motivated to keep improving when you’re already at the pinnacle of the sport?
Staying focused and motivated comes from my love for the sport and my desire to continually challenge myself. Even at the top, there’s always something to improve or refine. I set new goals, both big and small, to keep pushing myself. Also, knowing that there are younger athletes coming up keeps me motivated to stay at the top of my game.
You also secured gold at the 2024 European Judo Championships. How did winning this title contribute to your confidence and momentum heading into the Olympics?
Winning the European Championship was a huge confidence booster. It confirmed that my form and my training were on the right track. The momentum from that victory carried me into the Olympics with a strong sense of belief in my abilities. It was an important stepping stone that set the tone for my performance in Paris.
Can you share any key moments or turning points during the European Championships that stood out to you?
One key moment was during the semi-finals, where I faced a very tough opponent. The match was incredibly close, and it came down to a tactical decision that made the difference. Winning that match gave me a lot of confidence and reinforced the importance of staying composed under pressure. It was a turning point that propelled me into the final with a winning mindset.
With gold at the Baku and Tbilisi Grand Slams, as well as the Grand Prix Portugal, how have these victories shaped your preparation and mindset throughout the year?
Each of those victories played a crucial role in building my confidence and refining my strategy. Competing at such a high level consistently forced me to stay sharp. These tournaments also helped me identify areas for improvement, which we worked on in training leading up to the Olympics. They shaped my mindset by reinforcing the importance of consistency and resilience.
Competing in multiple high-level tournaments like the Baku Grand Slam and Paris Grand Slam, how do you maintain consistency and peak performance?
Maintaining consistency and peak performance requires careful planning and listening to my body. My team and I focus on periodization, where we plan my training and competition schedule to peak at the right times. Recovery is just as important as training, so we make sure to prioritize rest and mental preparation. I have to thank my coaches, Vladimir Preradović and Renato Šunjerga for that.
With such a demanding schedule, how do you maintain your physical and mental resilience throughout the year?
Maintaining resilience comes from a balanced approach to training and recovery. I ensure that I get enough rest between tournaments and focus on proper nutrition and mental well-being. Working with sports psychologists has also helped me develop mental toughness and coping strategies for the pressures of competition. Staying connected with family and friends provides emotional support, which is crucial for maintaining balance.
Have there been any particular challenges that you’ve faced in balancing rest and training?
Yes, balancing rest and training is always a challenge, especially with a busy competition schedule. There are times when I’ve had to listen to my body and prioritize recovery, even if it meant scaling back on training. It’s a delicate balance, but I’ve learned that proper rest is just as important as intense training. Overcoming this challenge has been key to maintaining my performance levels.
How do you prepare mentally for competitions that carry high expectations, such as the European Championships and the Olympics?
Mental preparation is crucial for high-stakes competitions. I use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse my matches and scenarios I might face. This helps me stay calm and focused during the actual competition. I also work on controlling my emotions and staying present in the moment, rather than getting caught up in the pressure.
After such an incredible year, what are your goals moving forward? Are there specific competitions or achievements you’re aiming for next?
First I want to rest well. I will continue to compete and I think that the first competition will be sometime next year. I don’t mind staring. I want to set goals before I get back on the mat and then train for it so I can have motivation. Each competition is an opportunity to grow, and I’m excited for what’s next.
How do you plan to build on your success from the Paris Olympics and continue to evolve as an athlete?
Building on my success involves continuing to work on my weaknesses and refining my strengths. I plan to keep evolving by staying open to new training methods and techniques. Continuous learning and adapting are key to staying at the top. I’m also focusing on maintaining my physical and mental health to ensure longevity in my career. The goal is to keep pushing the limits and setting new standards for myself.
As an Olympic gold medallist and multiple-time European champion, how do you hope to inspire the next generation of judokas? What message would you like to share with young athletes looking up to you?
I hope to inspire the next generation of judokas by showing them that with hard work, determination, and passion, anything is possible. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that perseverance is key. I want young athletes to know that setbacks and challenges are a part of the process, and that they should never give up on their dreams. My message to them is to stay focused, believe in themselves, and enjoy the journey. Success isn’t just about the medals; it’s about the growth and lessons you gain along the way.
Looking back at your journey, how do you see your legacy in the sport of judo? Are there other areas within the sport, such as coaching or mentoring, that you’re interested in pursuing in the future?
Looking back, I hope my legacy in judo will be one of resilience, dedication, and a love for the sport. I want to be remembered not just for the titles and medals, but for the passion I brought to the mat and the way I represented my country. As for the future, I’m definitely interested in coaching and mentoring young athletes. I believe it’s important to give back to the sport that has given me so much. I’d love to share my experience and knowledge with the next generation, helping them achieve their own dreams in judo.
Athlete Barbara Matić, -70kg Half Heavyweight Judoka representing Croatia.
- Instagram: @barbimatic
- Facebook: @barbara.matic.54
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
- Instagram: @madeinbulgariaxx
- Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx
