Perkovic's talent was evident early on. She won her first Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games, marking Croatia's first Olympic gold in athletics and the first by a Croatian woman in any summer sport. She repeated this feat at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, becoming the first Croatian athlete to defend an Olympic title successfully.

Training and Coaching

Since 2013, Perkovic has been coached by her partner, Edis Elkasevic. Their unique arrangement sees Elkasevic as the authority at the stadium while Perkovic takes charge at home. This balance has contributed to her continued success in the sport.

Memorable Moments and Challenges

One of Perkovic's most memorable achievements was winning gold at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow. This victory made her the first female athlete to complete the 'Grand Slam' of discus titles at the world championships, European championships, and Olympic Games.

However, her journey hasn't been without challenges. In 2011, she tested positive for methylhexanamine and faced a six-month ban. Despite this setback, she returned stronger and continued to excel in her sport.

Awards and Honours

Perkovic's accolades are numerous. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by the Croatian Olympic Committee eight times consecutively from 2012 to 2019. Additionally, Sportske Novosti recognised her as Female Athlete of the Year for the same period. In 2015, she received the title from the Croatian Athletics Federation.

Injuries and Recovery

Injuries have also been part of Perkovic's career. She struggled with a left knee injury at the beginning of the 2019 season and injured her back before the finals at the World Championships in Doha that year. Despite these injuries, she secured a bronze medal.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Perkovic aims to compete in five Olympic Games. She has already participated in London and Rio and plans to compete in Tokyo in 2020, Paris in 2024, and Los Angeles in 2028. Alongside her athletic ambitions, she hopes to take time away from the sport to become a mother.

Personal Life

Perkovic resides in Zagreb with her partner Edis Elkasevic, who also competed for Croatia in shot put at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Fluent in Croatian, English, and Italian, she balances her professional and personal life with dedication and passion.

Sandra Perkovic's journey is a testament to her resilience and commitment to athletics. Her achievements have not only brought pride to Croatia but have also set a high standard for future athletes.