Nevia Fotak the Only One of Five Croats to Reach the Final at the World Junior Championships
In the long jump, she achieved 6.09 meters and a total ninth place in qualifications, while Pijaca, Jelić, Poljak, and Ban did not advance.
In the long jump, she achieved 6.09 meters and a total ninth place in qualifications, while Pijaca, Jelić, Poljak, and Ban did not advance.
On the first day of the World Junior Championships in Eugene, USA, on August 6, 2026, five Croatian athletes competed. Only Nevia Fotak managed to secure a spot in the final in the long jump, while the other representatives ended their competition in the qualifications.
In the long jump qualifications, Nevia Fotak jumped 6.09 meters in her third attempt. This result earned her a total ninth place and a ticket to the final, which is scheduled for Friday in the early morning hours by Croatian time. The source does not specify the exact date of the final.
Jakov Pijaca in the javelin throw took 19th place with a throw of 62.96 meters. The qualifying standard for the final was 68.07 meters. Lara Jelić ran the 100 meters in 11.91 seconds, which was enough for sixth place in the first of eight qualifying heats and a total 52nd place, insufficient for the semifinals.
Ana Poljak and Elena Ban competed in the 800 meters. Poljak finished 32nd with a time of 2:12.56, while Ban was 37th with 2:13.31. Neither advanced to the semifinals.
Croatia has recorded notable successes at the World Junior Championships since 1994. Junior athletes have won a total of 16 medals, including as many as nine golds. This year in Eugene, 17 Croatian representatives who have met the World Athletics standards are competing.
The first day of competition began at 10:00 AM local time in Eugene, which is 7:00 PM Croatian time, given the nine-hour time difference.
