When the storm shows its teeth, Split doesn’t get spared! A fierce storm that hit the Dalmatian city around 9 AM this morning caused utter chaos on the sports grounds. The rowing club Mornar, famous for its tradition and sporting achievements, lost its roof, and the interior was flooded so badly that members had to bail water out with buckets and brooms. Imagine this – rowing equipment, bikes, and ergometers submerged, while rowers frantically try to save what they can. Videos sent by a reader show a true apocalypse – water covering everything, people battling the elements like in a disaster movie.
But wait, there’s more! The Poljud stadium, one of Split’s iconic landmarks and host to many sports events, also took a hit. The stormy wind damaged the roof structure on the southwest side, scattering hundreds of lexan panels everywhere – some even landed on the field! The roof problem has been ongoing for years, and now it’s clear that any strong wind or bora can cause even bigger issues and potential safety hazards.
To make matters worse, the hall of Croatian Olympic gold medalist Barbara Matić, where her judo club Pujanke trains, was also flooded. Barbara angrily posted a video on Instagram showing judokas walking barefoot on the flooded floor, with the hall in complete chaos. They have struggled with poor conditions for years, and now the situation has escalated. Everyone is rushing to save valuable items, but the question remains how much damage was done and how long it will take to get back to normal.
This storm exposed how vulnerable our sports facilities are and how urgently investment is needed for their protection and maintenance. While athletes fight nature, the authorities should ask themselves – how many more disasters like this must happen before serious action is taken? Split is known for its sporting tradition, but scenes like this don’t suit a city that loves its sports and athletes.
If you thought this was just another ordinary storm, think again. This is a wake-up call! Will anything finally change, or will we keep watching our athletes and sports facilities suffer due to neglect and poor management? Share your thoughts, maybe your word will spark a wave of change. Or at least crack a joke with your friends – “When the storm hits, even sports can’t run away!”
