Celebrating 75 Years of the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial in Zagreb

The Boris Hanzekovic Memorial in Zagreb, a storied event in the world of athletics, is marking its 75th edition this week. This venerable competition has been awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in the ‘Competition’ category, recognizing its significant contributions to the heritage of track and field athletics.

Honoring a Champion: Boris Hanzekovic

Named after the renowned Croatian hurdler Boris Hanzekovic, who was one of the nation’s finest athletes before World War II, the memorial race pays tribute to his legacy. Hanzekovic was tragically murdered while trying to escape from the Jasenovac concentration camp during the war. His story is woven into the fabric of the event, adding a poignant layer of history and memory to the competition.

A Plaque of Prestige

The World Athletics Heritage Plaque will officially be presented at the meet on Saturday, October 24. This honor will be conferred by Cherry Alexander, the European Athletics vice president, and the plaque will find a permanent home at the Dinamo-Zrinjevac Athletics Club in Zagreb. This recognition is not just a trophy; it symbolizes the meeting’s enduring impact on the sport’s history, highlighting its role in promoting athletics across various disciplines, including cross country and road running.

A Legacy of Excellence

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed his pride in the recognition, stating, “World Athletics is delighted to salute the illustrious history of the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial, Zagreb, the oldest sporting event in Croatia.” Coe reflected on the event’s legacy and its ability to attract international stars, noting that athletes like Alberto Juantorena—who set a Cuban record at the meeting in 1973—and legends such as Valeriy Brumel and Usain Bolt have graced its track.

A Tribute to the Community

Natko Bosnjak, the Meeting Director, emphasized the collective effort that has contributed to the success of this event. He remarked, “This World Athletics Heritage Plaque is not just a recognition of our athletics meeting, but a tribute to all the generations of people who have built it over the past 75 years—athletes, coaches, volunteers, fans, and partners.” This sentiment indicates the community spirit that has helped sustain the memorial through decades of change.

The Evolution of the Meeting

Originally, the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial began as an inter-club duel between local clubs Mladost and Dinamo. It evolved into an international competition in 1962, attracting athletes from Eastern Europe and beyond. The 1970s saw further growth with the support of various sponsors, including the Vjesnik newspaper publisher.

The meeting’s prominence continued to rise through the late 20th century, particularly following the 1987 Universiade held in Zagreb. Despite the upheaval of the Croatian War in the early 1990s, the competition persisted, gaining Grand Prix status in 2000 and subsequently joining the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold in 2020.

Highlights of Historic Achievements

The meeting has witnessed extraordinary athletic feats throughout its history. In 2009, the spectacular Blanka Vlasic cleared 2.08m in the high jump, marking it as one of the best performances ever recorded. Usain Bolt showcased his talent at the Zagreb Meeting in 2011, clocking a meeting record of 9.85 seconds in the 100m sprint.

The 110m hurdles memorial race has long been a highlight, featuring Olympic champions and world record-holders. The meeting record stands at 12.98 seconds, achieved by Mark Crear in 1999, reflecting the high caliber of competitors attracted to this historic event.

Expanding the Sports Experience

Since 2014, the shot put event has been known as the Ivan Ivancic Memorial and takes place outside the traditional stadium setting at the picturesque Zagreb Fountains. This innovation has brought a unique ambiance to the event. Notably, in 2016, Olympic champion Ryan Crouser and bronze medallist Tom Walsh both exceeded 22.20m, reinforcing the competition’s status as a platform for top-tier performances.

Remembering the Past and Inspiring the Future

With this award, the event not only celebrates its storied past but also looks toward the future. The Heritage Plaque serves as a reminder of the meeting’s significant role in global athletics and its dedication to preserving the memory of Boris Hanzekovic. There is a shared commitment to offer athletes the stage they deserve, inviting the next generation to partake in this rich legacy of sport and competition.

The 75th edition of the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial is more than a sporting event; it represents a rich history characterized by resilience, tradition, and a celebration of athletic excellence. The eyes of the athletics world will be on Zagreb, as this festival of sport continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.