Paralympic Winter Games
04 - 13 March

Bruno Bosnjak looks to better the colour of his medal in Beijing

Croatian snowboarder seeks to improve on his PyeongChang 2018 bronze medal performance in Beijing 06 Mar 2022
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Bruno Bosnjak carrying the Croatian flag at the Opening Ceremony of Beijing 2022
Bruno Bosnjak carrying the Croatian flag at the Opening Ceremony of Beijing 2022
ⒸGetty Images
By OIS and Kirti Patil

Bronze medallist in PyeongChang four years ago, Para snowboarder Bruno Bosnjak is hoping to better the colour of his medal at Beijing 2022. 

The 38-year-old, Croatia’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony last Friday, became his country’s first medallist at any Winter Paralympics when he won banked slalom bronze at PyeongChang 2018.

Due to his previous Paralympic experience on South Korean soil, Bosnjak assures he is not feeling any pressure from the competition.

"The good thing is that I did already (have) my medal so I don't have pressure and I always said whatever is going to happen since this medal is a bonus. So, I'm without pressure, but I'm still aiming for a medal and I know I can do it,” he said of his expectations in Beijing.

However, Bosnjak is well aware of how competitive the men's SB-LL1 category has become.

"It doesn't depend only on me because it's a tough competition this time, I think it's more than 10 people who could get a medal. So, I'm trying to do my best and hope that this is enough for a medal," he said.

"Hopefully it will be something better than a bronze, but I'm happy with any medal."

Very Proud Moment

Just like for any Para athlete, carrying his country's National Flag during the Opening Ceremony at Beijing 2022 was a proud moment for Bosnjak.

"It sure makes me very proud and it's really some of the biggest achievements that an athlete can do in his life. So, I will proudly hold this metal for my country and wave it."

Bosnjak was training for the 2006 Olympic Games when he suffered spinal cord injuries as a result of a snowboard crash. He did not lose hope and fate handed him a chance to compete in the Winter Paralympics. 

The fact that he can participate and be competitive is a big achievement for Bosnjak.

"Since I had my accident... I didn't expect to achieve this ever, to go to any Olympics or Paralympics, so it means a lot for me that I made it for the second time and I'm still competitive enough. 

"That's why I'm enjoying, without pressure, trying to have fun and being focused and do my best and hope for the best."