This was the organizers’ way of drawing the connection between the gold medal as a symbol of success in sports and the book as a symbol of academic success.
For every athlete, the gold medal is the ultimate reward for all the hard work. It represents all the sacrifices made along the way and the dedication to the goal. The gold medal reflects all those moments when giving up seemed easier, but the faith in success still prevailed. We will never know for sure what goes through an athlete’s mind while climbing the podium steps. Nevertheless, their happiness fills us with joy as well.
Apart from their medal, the gold medalists of European Universities Games Zagreb – Rijeka 2016 also received a golden book – the first English translation of The Goldsmith’s Treasure, a novel by the Croatian proto-realist writer August Šenoa, designed to resemble a gold bar. This was the organizers’ way of drawing the connection between the gold medal as a symbol of success in sports and the book as a symbol of academic success.
The Goldsmith’s Treasure was written in 1871 and it is the first Croatian historical novel. The story features two main plotlines – the historical one and the fictional, romantic one. The novel takes place in the 16th century and it focuses on Zagreb, and all the athletes reading it will be joining the ranks of Croatian high school students, seeing as this book is on their required readings list.
Since the book’s design is supposed to make it a recognizable Croatian souvenir, it is hardly surprising that our medalists were delighted upon receiving an additional reward, and with it the chance to remember Croatia by its real literary treasure.
Bart van den Berg and Stefan de Jong from the University of Rotterdam are the winners of the men’s tennis tournament.
‘I was honored to receive the first Croatian historical novel as a gift. I will definitely give it a read in my spare time,’ Van den Berg said.
‘I haven’t heard of the novel yet, but I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Croatia’s history and literature as a part of its cultural heritage,’ said De Jong.
Barbara Luz from the University of Coimbra is the winner of the women’s tournament.
‘I love that we have a gift to remind us of Croatia. I will cherish this book as a memory of this incredible event. It will serve as a reminder of my sports career and student life, which are very difficult to balance, but our University is doing a great job at helping us with that.’
