Fortius athletes ready for the world stage in Eugene
Zadar's AK Fortius will have three representatives on the biggest junior athletics stage, held from August 5 to 9, 2026, in Oregon, USA.
Zadar's AK Fortius will have three representatives on the biggest junior athletics stage, held from August 5 to 9, 2026, in Oregon, USA.
Atletski klub Fortius from Zadar is completing final preparations ahead of the World Junior Championships, which will take place from August 5 to 9, 2026, in Eugene, at the iconic Hayward Field stadium in the U.S. state of Oregon. The city proudly bears the epithet of one of the world's athletics capitals, and the colors of the Croatian national team and the Zadar club will be defended by two young athletes.
Sprinter Nina Vrdoljak steps onto the track in Eugene with considerable international experience already under her belt. According to reports from Antena Zadar, after competing at the European Championships and the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), this will be her third major national team competition in a row. She will compete in the 200-meter race and the 4×100-meter relay.
On the other hand, javelin thrower Jakov Pijaca will be making his debut on the biggest world junior stage, and it will also be his first major international competition of his career. Both are members of the Croatian national team and have earned their invitation to the biggest possible stage for junior male and female athletes through their results.
Alongside the two athletes, their coach Edi Stipić will also travel to the United States, serving as part of the Croatian professional delegation in the role of national team coach. This is a great recognition for his work, as well as confirmation of the quality of the system at Atletski klub Fortius, which, as the club points out, continuously produces young athletes ready for the biggest international challenges.
"Everything that was envisioned and planned has been completed. Our excellent javelin thrower Jakov Pijaca will make his debut at his first major competition and immediately the biggest possible for juniors. Our sprinter Nina Vrdoljak will compete in her third major competition in a row, in the 200m and 4×100m relay. In addition to our best juniors Nina and Jakov, Edi Stipić will also go with them as a national team coach," announced Atletski klub Fortius in a statement quoted by 023.hr.
According to 023.hr, only three training days and three sessions remain before departure. The Croatian national team leaves on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and a few days later the battle for the best possible placements among the world's best juniors begins.
The city of Eugene, located in the heart of Oregon, has been known for decades as one of the most important centers of athletics in the world. The Hayward Field stadium, renovated in recent years, has hosted numerous major athletics events, and now young Croatian national team representatives will showcase their best performances on its track and field.
Pijaca and Vrdoljak go to Eugene with the goal of achieving personal bests, the best possible competitive placements, and gaining invaluable experience on the biggest world junior athletics stage. "We wish them a safe journey, personal records, the best possible competitive placements, and a pleasant experience," the Club said.
