The 75th Boris Hanžeković Memorial, one of Croatia’s most prestigious and historic athletics events, is set to light up the Mladost Stadium in Zagreb from May 22 to May 24.
Part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series since 2020, the Memorial continues to honor hurdler Boris Hanžeković. He died during World War II, while drawing some of the globe’s finest talents to compete in an early-season spectacle.
This year’s edition promises world-class performances, with several top-tier athletes vying for glory – and perhaps, for records.
Julien Alfred
Leading the lineup is current Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred. The Saint Lucian sprint star is expected to electrify the track in the women’s 200m after an incredible performance last month in Gainesville, Florida. She clocked a blistering 21.88 – the second-fastest 200m time ever recorded so early in the season.
Alfred, who won the 100m gold in Paris last summer with a stunning 10.72 (8th fastest of all time), also secured silver in the 200m. In Zagreb, she aims to challenge the meeting record of 22.04 set by Christine Mboma in 2021. She also has real chance of becoming the first woman to break the 22-second barrier on Croatian soil.
Tom Walsh
In the men’s shot put, all eyes will be on New Zealand’s Tom Walsh. The three-time World Indoor Champion and recent gold medalist in Nanjing will headline the Ivan Ivančić Memorial. A unique city-center event held two days before the main meet.
Walsh, with a personal best of 22.90m and a season-best of 21.65m, is targeting a sixth victory in Zagreb. That would tie him with Ryan Crouser for the most wins. With Crouser sidelined by injury, the path is clear for Walsh.T o dominate and possibly breach the 22-meter mark for the first time this outdoor season.
Joining him in the circle will be Roger Steen (USA), the world indoor silver medallist with a personal best of 22.08m and a season-best of 21.62m. Both throwers are hungry for more, with the competition heating up as they aim for landmark throws.
Gudaf Tsegay: Distance Queen Returns
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, one of the world’s most consistent middle-distance runners, is back in action over 1500m. Her last race at this distance earned her gold at the World Indoor Championships in 3:54.86. In Zagreb, Tsegay will face stiff competition, including compatriot Birke Haylom, as she builds toward another dominant season.
Lamara Distin and Jana Koščak: High Jump Takes the Spotlight
For the first time in meeting history, the women’s high jump will be staged at the scenic Zagreb fountains. Jamaican star Lamara Distin, the only competitor in the field to have cleared 200cm, makes her debut in Zagreb following a strong early-season mark of 192cm.
Local favorite Jana Koščak, Croatia’s U20 heptathlon world champion, adds homegrown excitement to the event. With a season-best of 191cm, she is aiming to top her personal best and continue a breakthrough year. This marks her second appearance at the meeting – after long jumping last year. She also eyes gold at the European U20 Championships and a spot at the World Championships in Tokyo.
A Festival of Athletics with a Deep Legacy
Beyond the competition, Zagreb also celebrates its rich athletic tradition with the exhibition “An Indelible Mark on World Athletics,” hosted at the National and University Library. Attended by cultural and sports dignitaries, the exhibition underscores the deep legacy of the Memorial.
As Meeting Director Natko Bošnjak remarked, “Even though the 75th Boris Hanžeković Memorial is being held early in the season, we are incredibly grateful to Alfons Juck, who has once again brought the best athletes in the world to Zagreb.”
With global stars, record-breaking potential, and a legacy steeped in history, the 75th Boris Hanžeković Memorial promises an unforgettable celebration of track and field.
