Blanka's father, Josko Vlasic, played a pivotal role in her early exposure to athletics. As a coach, he often brought her along to the field. Initially, Blanka aspired to be a sprinter but eventually fell in love with the high jump due to her physique.

Club and Coaching

Blanka represents ASK Split in Croatia. Her coaching team includes her father, Josko Vlasic, and Bojan Marinovic. Their guidance has been instrumental in her development as an elite athlete.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her career, Blanka has received numerous awards. She was named the 2015 Best Female Athlete by the Split Sports Federation. She also earned the title of Female Athlete of the Year by Sports News in Croatia multiple times between 2004 and 2011.

In 2010, she was honoured as the World Female Athlete of the Year by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and received the Female Athlete of the Year award from European Athletics. Additionally, she won the Evgen Bergant Trophy in 2009 and 2010.

Challenges and Injuries

Blanka's career has not been without its challenges. In 2015, she suffered an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery in February 2016. This injury forced her to miss several Diamond League events and altered her training regime significantly.

Despite these setbacks, Blanka competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she won a bronze medal. However, the injury continued to affect her performance and training.

Earlier in her career, Blanka faced other injuries. In 2014, knee ligament inflammation kept her out of the European Championships in Zurich. In 2013, a left heel injury prevented her from participating in the World Championships in Moscow.

Personal Philosophy

Blanka's approach to sports is encapsulated in her philosophy: "We are not robots. If you take from your body, you make training harder, and always live under great stress. You have to give something back to your body otherwise your results will start to suffer."

Family Influence

The influence of Blanka's family on her career is significant. Her father Josko won a gold medal for Yugoslavia in decathlon at the 1983 Mediterranean Games. Her younger brother Nikola has played football as a midfielder for the Croatian national team.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Blanka aims to continue contributing to athletics through various initiatives post-retirement. Her focus remains on nurturing young talent and promoting sports within Croatia.

Blanka Vlasic's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. Despite numerous injuries and setbacks, she has achieved remarkable success and continues to inspire future generations of athletes.