In 2007, high jumper Blanka Vlasic became the first Croatian and the first high jumper to ever be awarded the European Female Athlete of the Year.European Athletics: 23-year-old Blanka Vlasic (CRO) wins... (April 10, 2007) Vlasic is the reigning women's high jump championWorld Rankings in Athletics: Women's Overall Ranking and is therefore expected to be a contender for a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

"Lots of people stop me on the street and congratulate me. I'm happy that I've made a positive impact on them and made them happy."

"Every morning I wake up at the moment and just say 'good morning World Champion!'"European Athletics: 23-year-old Blanka Vlasic (CRO) wins... (April 10, 2007)