A Memorable Journey to Split: Celebrating Academic Excellence and SPORTS SCIENCE Research
- Complete Performance
- Jul 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Our recent trip to Split, Croatia, was a remarkable blend of professional engagement and scientific discovery.
Hands-On Research and Collaboration
My colleague, Ms. Kristina Drole, and I had the opportunity to gain more insights into the talent identification program for Croatian athletes and contribute our experience and knowledge in assessing contractile muscle properties using tensiomyography. Our trip included hands-on research activities. During our visit to the city of Split, we engaged in the anthropometric and physical fitness assessment of youth soccer players alongside Dr. Dražen Čular’s team, which includes Dr. Ana Kezić, Dr. Marijana Čavala, and Dr. Tea Bešlija. This project is part of the broader "Talent Identification in Sport" initiative, which falls under the auspices of the CRO SPORT TALENT LAB, led by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Dražen Čular. His expertise and hospitality greatly enriched our experience in Split.
Presenting Cutting-Edge Research
Beyond the lab research activities, we actively participated in the conference “Contemporary Kinesiology” organized by the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, which also celebrated its 70th anniversary. This milestone event not only highlighted the faculty's significant contributions to sports science but also provided us with a platform to share our own research endeavors.
During the event, we presented two significant scientific works:
Effects of Aerobic Exercise Interventions on Endothelial Function in Adults: An Inter-Individual Response Difference Meta-Analysis (ACT-ON study).
Injuries and Illnesses in Slovenian Men’s Handball League: Insights from the Slovenian Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center on Health Problems Questionnaire Validation.
These presentations sparked engaging discussions and provided valuable insights into the current trends and challenges in sports science research.
Cultural and Professional Enrichment
In addition to our academic and research-related commitments, we had the opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Split. One of the highlights was visiting the Museum of Athletes from the City of Split ("Muzej Sporta Split"). This visit offered a deep dive into the city's rich sports history and celebrated its athletic achievements. The museum showcased an impressive array of memorabilia, chronicling the journeys and triumphs of local athletes who have made significant contributions to sports on both national and international stages.
We also had the pleasure of visiting the renowned Marjan Taekwondo Club of Champions. This club is a cornerstone of Split’s sporting community, boasting over 2,000 registered taekwondo athletes. The club’s legacy is highlighted by its outstanding record of producing champions, with more than 17 individuals having won European, World, and Olympic medals. Notably, five athletes from this club clinched medals at the most recent World Taekwondo Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2023. Our visit to the club was inspiring, as we observed the rigorous training sessions and met some of the athletes who have achieved international acclaim. The dedication and discipline exhibited by these athletes are a testament to the club's commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in nurturing talent.
Lasting Impressions
Our stay in Split was a blend of rigorous academic engagement and cultural exploration. Meeting Prof. Dr. Dražen Čular and collaborating with the CRO SPORT TALENT LAB was particularly inspiring. Dr. Čular's expertise and hospitality greatly enriched our experience in Split. Beyond his impressive professional credentials and contributions to sports science, Dr. Čular proved to be an exceptional host and a genuinely warm individual. He went out of his way to make us feel welcome and comfortable, ensuring that we had everything we needed during our stay. Whether discussing the nuances of our research, sharing insights about the local culture, or simply engaging in casual conversation, Dr. Čular demonstrated a great level knowledge, empathy and understanding that is rare. His dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment extended beyond the professional sphere, making our stay in Split not just productive but truly enjoyable. His ability to balance his roles as a sports practitioner, scientist, and gracious host highlighted his multifaceted personality and deep commitment to his field and community. Thank you once again, and I look forward to our new adventures.
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