Split will host one of the most prestigious championships in the world of sailing - 2017 Laser World Championship, from 12th - 30th September 2017.
The team of Sportske Novosti reporters has spoken to our two greatest contenders, Tonči Stipanović and Filip Jurišić, and published the interview on August 30, 2017.
One of the world's best sailors, Tonči Stipanovič, an unbeaten legend sailing in Laser class under the flag of sailing club Mornar, might face strong competition from his teammate Filip Jurišić at this year's Laser World Championship in Split.
The two are great rivals at sea, but good friends on land, and they are both coached by Jozo Jakelić, who treats them as their own sons. This world championship in Split is a great opportunity to demonstrate the power of Croatian sailing. The interview was conducted separately, with questions for both Tonči and Filip being the same.
Credit, Duje Klarić
How have you been preparing for this competition?
Stipanović: Well, I'm preparing as I usually do though I have to admit that I have slowed down a bit, especially when compared to preparations for the Olympics in Rio, that was beyond comparison.The thing is, I had to devote more of my time to my wife Sandra, who is pregnant and had to rest. Besides, I had also been solving our housing problem. I am the first Olympic medalist in Croatia who hasn't been given an apartment to use. My wife works in Čulić law firm and has raised a loan...
Jurišić: These have been the best preparations for me so far.I’ve trained devotedly, fiercely, I think that I have fulfilled all the requirements that my coach has set out for me.
What are your expectations for the upcoming World Championship?
Stipanović: Gold medal, that's my goal. Of course, things might turn out differently, and they do say that every medal is important and an achievement to be celebrated. However, as I already have one silver medal from the world championships, I really would like to win the gold one now.
Jurišić: The competition is strong, all the best sailors in the world are here, so even to get in the top ten would be a great success for me.To win a medal? I mean, I do work hard for it during the day and dream about it every night.
What do you think of the rivalry between you two?
Stipanović: Here in our sailing club Mornar, the rivalry issue has been dealt with before. I am older, more experienced, and I know that Filip respects me. The way Filip acts and behaves towards me is the same way I behaved towards Mate Arapov. Filip is a great guy. If it wasn't for him, I would have probably gotten a bit bored with this all by now.
Jurišić: Tonči is a world star, I'm honoured to be considered his rival. I have even beaten him once at the world championship in Miami. We tend to argue as well, but that only happens when we're competing at sea. Recently we had a heated argument, we didn't talk for two full days and we would turn our heads when we saw each other, but then coach Jozo ordered us to sit down, have a chat and locked us in a room together until we resolved the issue.
How big is the responsibility to be sailing and competing in Split?
Stipanović: For me, the fact that the competition is being held in Split is not a particular burden, I'm excluded from the organization, I'm calm and focused on the preparations.
Jurišić: I am delighted that the championship is taking place in Split, especially since all eyes are on Tonči.
What is the advantage of competing on home ground?
Stipanović: It makes sense that there is an advantage in competing on home turf, because when you've been sailing here for twenty or more years, then you know everything...That is, you believe that you know everything. But sailing is a very complex sport.
Jurišić: It is very tricky, I've sailed here thousands of times, but you never know what kind of wind might blow and surprise you.
For more information about the Laser World Championship, visit the official website of the competition here.
Translated from Sportske Novosti/Jutarnji.hr
