Gymnast Ilija Kovtun celebrated in Osijek after World Championship silver

Gymnast Ilija Kovtun was welcomed home to Osijek by hundreds of citizens following his silver medal win in the pommel horse event at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam. The celebration, which included torches and traditional tamburaši music, took place in front of the Sokol center.

The 23-year-old Kovtun secured his first medal representing Croatia at a World Championship. This achievement follows his successful performance at the European Championships in Zagreb two months ago, where he won gold in both the all-around and pommel horse events.

Kovtun expressed his gratitude to the local community, noting that while he felt relaxed during the final, he always aims for perfection. He stated that his immediate plan is to rest at home.