A 2.08-metre personal best ranks Blanka Vlašić as the third-highest high jumper in history. Born in Split in 1983, she emerged from a family of athletes to dominate international circuits, securing multiple world titles and maintaining a sustained presence at the top of the sport throughout the first decade of the twenty-first century.
Early Development and Junior Success
The daughter of Croatian decathlon record holder Joško Vlašić and basketball player Venera, Blanka Vlašić demonstrated aptitude for high jump early in her adolescence. By fifteen, she cleared 1.80 metres, advancing to 1.93 metres within a year. Her international career began with appearances at the World Youth Championships and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She established her prowess at the junior level by winning the World Junior Championships in both 2000 and 2002, the latter with a clearance of 1.96 metres.
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Vlašić transitioned to senior competition with consistent progress, setting a national record of 2.03 metres in Ljubljana in 2004. Her development faced interruption due to a hyperthyroid condition, which necessitated surgery and forced a hiatus during the 2005 season. Following her recovery, she returned to form in 2006, setting an indoor national record of 2.05 metres in Banská Bystrica and earning a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships.
Championship Dominance
The 2007 season initiated a significant period of success, during which she secured the World Championship title. She followed this by becoming the indoor world champion in 2008. Although she claimed silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she reclaimed the world crown in 2009. Her performances during this era earned her the 2010 IAAF World Athlete of the Year award, alongside European Athlete of the Year honours in 2007 and 2010.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, Split, Croatia
- Sport: Athletics
- Personal Best: 2.08 m
- Major Awards: IAAF World Athlete of the Year 2010
- Recognition: Croatian Walk of Fame (2008)
- Olympic Appearances: 2000, 2004, 2008, 2016
Questions readers ask
What is Blanka Vlašić's personal best?
Her personal best is 2.08 metres, which remains a Croatian record.
How many times was she World Champion?
She won the World Championships twice, in 2007 and 2009.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
