Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić: The great goalie of the 50’s

Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić, one of the best goalkeepers of the 50’s was born in Sibenik, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) in 1925. He started his swim career in 1934 as a breaststroke swimmer in Rijeka. He participated with the Yugoslavian National at London, 1948 Olympic Games and won the silver medal at both Helsinki, 1952 and Melbourne, 1956 Olympic Games. At Helsinki Kovačić has been acclaimed as "Best Goalkeeper" of the Olympic Water Polo tournament. He was member of the Yugoslavian team at the European Championships of Monte Carlo 1947, Vienna (1950, bronze) and Torino, 1954 (silver). Zdravko-Ćiro Kovačić played 87 matches for the Yugoslavian National team and resumed his career in 1957. Kovačić is the first athlete from Yugoslavia to be honoured by induction to the Iternational Swimming Hall of Fame.
Source: http://www.oks.org.yu/ and, http://www.ishof.org/