Blanka Vlasic: Elevating Women's Sports Through Visibility and Courage

Blanka Vlasic, the acclaimed Croatian high jump athlete and two-time Olympic medalist, emphasizes the transformative role of visibility in women's sports. She underscores the importance of transparency and equality, while also sharing her personal journey from high jumping to endurance running.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 24-04-2026 21:57 IST | Created: 24-04-2026 21:57 IST
Blanka Vlasic: Elevating Women's Sports Through Visibility and Courage
Blanka Vlasic

Croatian high jump legend Blanka Vlasic, famed for her extraordinary leaps, highlights the power of visibility in advancing women's sports. Vlasic, who claimed Olympic silver in 2008 and bronze in 2016, shared her insights with Reuters on how increased exposure of female athletes' challenges and victories has elevated their status alongside male counterparts.

As the International Event Ambassador for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Vlasic stressed the responsibility of governing bodies to uphold transparency, specifically regarding eligibility rules in women's events. The International Olympic Committee's recent decision to implement genetic testing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics aligns with this necessity for clarity in sports.

Despite retiring in 2021 due to injuries, including persistent Achilles issues, Vlasic continues her athletic journey in endurance running. Adapting from high-powered jumps to long-distance discipline presents a new challenge she enthusiastically embraces. The TCS World 10K Bengaluru, set for Sunday, marks her latest venture in sports.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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