Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexMale
Full nameZdravko-Ćiro•Kovačić
Used nameZdravko-Ćiro•Kovačić
Other namesЗдравко-Ћиро Ковачић
Born6 July 1925 in Šibenik, Šibensko-kninska županija (CRO)
Died1 April 2015 in Rijeka, Primorsko-goranska županija (CRO)
AffiliationsVK Primorje, Rijeka (CRO)
NOC Yugoslavia
Nationality Croatia
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 2
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić was a legendary goalkeeper in Yugoslav water polo history, eventually earning a spot in the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1984. In the early 1950s he was considered the greatest keeper in the world. He competed at three Olympics (1948-56), winning silver medals in 1952 and 1956. Kovačić also won a bronze medal at the 1950 European Championships and a silver medal at the 1954 Europeans. He later became a professional economist, serving as a director of the successful shipping company Jugolinija from 1972-80 and holding various posts in several different sports societies.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal Nationality As
1948 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) YUG CRO Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Yugoslavia =9
1952 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) YUG CRO Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Yugoslavia 2 Silver
1956 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) YUG CRO Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Yugoslavia 2 Silver

Other participations

Games Role NOC Nationality As
1956 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony YUG CRO Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić

Special Notes