Bijac initially started swimming at age six but found it uninteresting. By age 11, he transitioned to water polo, a sport he found more engaging. His early exposure to the game through family connections laid a strong foundation for his career.

Professional Career

Currently, Bijac plays for Olympiacos in Piraeus, Greece. He is right-handed and excels as a goalkeeper. Ivica Tucak coaches him at the national level. Bijac's career highlights include winning gold at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Injuries and Setbacks

Bijac has faced several injuries throughout his career. In October 2019, he fractured a cheekbone and required surgery, sidelining him for six weeks. In 2018, he suffered a fractured finger during training in Genoa, Italy.

Awards and Honours

Bijac has received numerous accolades. He was named Best Goalkeeper of the 2019 World League Super Finals and the 2019 World League Europa Cup. In 2017, he was honoured as Male Water Polo Player of the Year by the European Swimming Federation (LEN).

In 2016, Croatian publication 'Vecernji' named him Croatian Water Polo Player of the Year. He also won the 'Rudi Res' trophy that year for being judged Best Croatian Player. Additionally, he was named Best Goalkeeper of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Family Legacy

Bijac's father, Maro, played water polo at an international level. Both father and son have served as captains of the VK Jug side in Croatia. This family legacy has significantly influenced Bijac's career and achievements.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Bijac aims to win the Champions League with Olympiacos. This goal reflects his ongoing commitment to excellence in water polo.

Marko Bijac's journey from a young boy watching his father's matches to becoming one of the top goalkeepers in water polo is inspiring. His dedication to the sport and numerous accolades highlight his significant contributions to water polo.