Croatia’s Jere Hribar, 22 and 2.03m (6ft 8in) tall, enjoyed high success last year as he earned 100m freestyle silver at the European Aquatics U23 Championships in Samorin before taking gold, silver and bronze at the EA Short Course Championships in Lublin.
Hribar competed in the 50m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Two years earlier he had earned European junior silver and world junior silver and bronze medals.
In the space of the last year you successfully bridged the gap from junior competition by winning your first medals at U23 and senior level. How hard was it to make this transition, and was the most challenging part of it physical or mental?
The hardest thing for me was definitely mental, swimming on that level was already hard but getting to the top step of the podium was the hardest challenge so far.
The reason behind that is that swimming at junior level differs a lot from swimming at senior level … it’s like two different sports that I learned to treat differently.
Who has most helped you in this process?
Mostly my parents and my coach. After winning junior international medals I decided with the help of parents and coaches that the best decision for my swimming and academic career was to go to the United States – to LSU (Louisiana State University) to be exact.
There, with the help of the entire team and coaching staff, I felt at home and had fun more than ever.
How helpful was it to you as a stepping stone that you won EA U23 silver in Samorin before claiming gold, silver and bronze at the EA Short Course Championships in Lublin?
To win the U23 silver medal meant a lot, especially when I knew I was racing some of the fastest people on planet in general. After that I knew I was capable of doing big things. I gained confidence and I was motivated more than ever.
What are your ambitions now for Paris 2026 – and beyond?
For Paris 2026 I want to end up on podium again. I don’t mind what step of the podium – the higher the better. I don’t really like to look beyond my first incoming competition… but LA28 is for sure one of my top goals.
How proud does it make you to be carrying the banner for Croatia at the highest levels in swimming?
I’m super proud. I mean, after winning the gold medal in Lublin I didn’t even realise how happy and proud I made Croatian coaches feel.
Not just coaches but friends and everyone who enjoyed seeing me race. It was a long time since Croatia had won a swimming gold medal, and I am super proud that I ended that tradition.
Are there any particular places/sights you have enjoyed in Paris, and do you plan to see any in particular this summer?
Yes, I have good memories of Paris from 2024. But this time I’m excited to go sight-seeing with my French friends. They will know where there are the best restaurants to eat and they will also tell me a little bit more about every sight we visit.
Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
