Croatian athlete Fran Juraj Kajs delivered a breakthrough performance at the European Wushu Championships in Lyon, becoming the first Croatian competitor to win a gold medal in the light sanda division. His achievement was part of an outstanding championship in which he captured three gold medals overall.

Kajs claimed titles in light sanda, dynamic tui shou, and static tui shou, establishing himself as one of Croatia’s most successful athletes at the event. Reflecting on his results, he said: 

“I won gold medals in light sanda (Chinese boxing), dynamic tui shou, and static tui shou. All of these results mean a lot to me, but the one in light sanda is especially significant because I have competed in that discipline the longest and this year I finally reached the top of Europe.”

Beyond his sporting achievements, Kajs is completing a medical degree at the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine while also volunteering at the cardiovascular and transplant surgery department of Dubrava University Hospital. Balancing elite sport with academic and professional responsibilities has been a major challenge throughout his career.

“Managing all these commitments has always been complex. It requires great desire and motivation, and above all the support and dedication of my coach, Zilhad Mahmuljin,” Kajs explained.

His success highlights the growing strength of Croatian wushu and demonstrates that world-class athletic achievements can be reached even in sports that receive limited public attention, while also showcasing the ability of athletes to excel both in competition and in their academic careers.

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