Zagreb, Croatia – A new cohort of 33 rowing coaches recently completed their Level 1 certification, a collaborative effort between the Croatian Olympic Academy (HOA) and the Croatian Rowing Federation (HVS). The graduation ceremony, held at the Hotel Antunović in Zagreb on March 13, 2026, marks a significant investment in the future of rowing in Croatia.
The intensive training program successfully equipped 22 men and 11 women with the foundational skills necessary to guide and develop aspiring rowers. Certificates were presented by Saša Ceraj, Director of the Croatian Olympic Academy, and Mićo Mikulić, Secretary General of the Croatian Rowing Federation. The newly certified coaches are Karlo Habuda, Silvijo Petriško, Željko Kisić, Ivana Galante, Branko Kuzele, Lara Vorkapić, Nino Varat, Nikola Oslaković, Doris Kramarić, Dario Kodrnja, Valentino Štedul, Dario Cvitešić, Juraj Katušin, Patrik Vrabac, Karlo Romanić, Lea Faber, Ana Hasan, Ema Hasan, Lovre Puh, Martina Pašalić, Petar Perkušić, Matija Magdić, Teuta Lea Stojaković, Tomislav Sabljak, Dora Bjelkanović, Lovro Anzulović, Martina Kaić, Ivan Tvrdinić, Anamarija Popko, David Zebec, Aleksandar Vukojičić, Luka Milić, and Teo Drašković.
The Croatian Olympic Academy extended special gratitude to the program’s instructors – Krešimir Ižaković, Dušan Jurši, and Nikola Bralić – recognizing their crucial contributions to the training process. Their expertise was instrumental in preparing these coaches to effectively mentor athletes and foster a passion for the sport. This initiative underscores a commitment to building a strong foundation for Croatian rowing, ensuring a pipeline of qualified instructors to support athletes at all levels.
Beyond the individual certifications, the event also celebrated the longstanding partnership between the Croatian Rowing Federation and the Croatian Olympic Academy. Both organizations, along with HVS Secretary General Mićo Mikulić, received recognition for their continued collaboration in advancing rowing within the country. This sustained cooperation is vital for the sport’s growth and development, providing resources and opportunities for both athletes, and coaches.
The Croatian Rowing Federation, founded in 1939 and a member of the international federation FISA since 1992, has a rich history of success in the sport. The HVS website serves as a central hub for news, results, and information about Croatian rowing. The federation’s ongoing efforts to develop coaching talent, like this recent Level 1 certification program, are essential for maintaining Croatia’s competitive edge on the international stage.
This latest group of certified coaches will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of Croatian rowing. Their training equips them with the knowledge and skills to not only teach proper technique but also to instill the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork. For aspiring rowers across Croatia, this represents increased access to quality instruction and a brighter outlook for the sport’s continued success.
Looking ahead, the Croatian Rowing Federation is focused on preparing for the upcoming season, including the Croatian Rowing Championships for Cadets and Juniors in Zagreb from September 25-27, 2026, and the Croatian Rowing Championships for Seniors and Veterans in Zagreb from April 25-26, 2026. More information on these events can be found on the HVS website.
The success of this coaching development program highlights the importance of investing in human capital within sports. By prioritizing the education and training of coaches, the Croatian Olympic Academy and the Croatian Rowing Federation are laying the groundwork for sustained success and ensuring that Croatian rowing continues to thrive for years to come.
