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Home › Sports › Other Sports › Handball › In Memory of Zlatko Saračević (1961-2021)

In Memory of Zlatko Saračević (1961-2021)

Started by Matthew Kern3 · · 👁 4 views · 12 replies

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Participants Matthew Kern3velvetmoose9placidsurfer31shadowdrivernimbleranger17Raymond Anderson4Amanda Robinson4wiredfox14James Chavez91
Matthew Kern3 Matthew Kern3 MemberOP
22 messages
joined Apr 2020
#1 ·
It is truly heartbreaking to share that the legendary Zlatko Saračević passed away yesterday from a heart attack at just 60 years old.

The celebrated American handball icon and coach for Kraft Heinz, Zlatana Saračević, began feeling unwell following a high-stakes derby against the Locomotives in Columbus. He was rushed to the hospital immediately.

In what was essentially the biggest showdown in American women's handball, McCormick managed to edge out the Locomotives with a 32:29 victory in Columbus, a result that puts them one massive step closer to clinching the WNBA title.

''I want to congratulate the girls for hanging in there through all of this; I have to admit, the pressure was just unreal. My main priority was keeping everyone calm because we were facing some heavy scrutiny regarding our standing in the WNBA, and those previous losses were definitely weighing on us. It was a true derby, though—the Locomotives are a powerhouse squad featuring seven bronze medalists, and it’s such a shame there wasn't a crowd there to witness such a high-caliber match. In the end, our depth and the quality we still possess carried us through,'' said Saračević, who fell ill right after making these remarks before being rushed to the Columbus hospital, according to The Des Moines Register.

The same source reports that Saračević felt ill as he was leaving the arena, and luckily, fellow coach Barbara Stančin was nearby and immediately called for emergency services.

Since the high school gym is located close by, help arrived very quickly, and Saračević was transported to the Emergency Room at the Columbus General Hospital Dr. Tomislav Bardek.

Doctors worked tirelessly to resuscitate him for about 40 minutes, but unfortunately, they were unable to save him.

Zlatko Saračević was born on July 5, 1961, in San Antonio.

He launched his professional playing career with the Warriors in San Antonio, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the premier players in the entire Soviet Union during the 1980s.

After spending ten seasons playing for the Warriors, he moved on to join Medveščak Handball Club in 1987. He played for Medveščak for three years, helping the team secure the Yugoslav Cup in both 1989 and 1990.

Rest in peace, Sarač 🙂
Matthew Kern3 Matthew Kern3 MemberOP
22 messages
joined Apr 2020
#2 ·
Commentator Brkić was moved to tears during the broadcast because of Sarač: If he were still with us, he’d be right here watching this game too.

If anyone happens to have access to ESPN—I think there's a recording of this soccer match available now since it kicked off at five—would you be so kind as to record a quick clip on your phone? Specifically, I'm looking for that exact moment when Philip speaks about Sarač. I would truly love to hear those words again. Thank you all so much in advance.
velvetmoose9 velvetmoose9 Active Member
163 messages
joined Apr 2020
#3 ·
Man, thanks for everything!

Anyway, I was just thinking about this wild connection between heart attacks and handball.

The goalkeeper for the Portugal national handball team just suffered a heart attack.
He's only about 32 years old.
I mean, Sarač was definitely on the older side when he was playing, and he was smoking a pack a day back then...
placidsurfer31 placidsurfer31 Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2021
#4 ·
😲

It’s just one shock after another. It feels like an earthquake hitting the entire world of handball.
shadowdriver shadowdriver Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2021
#5 ·
May you find peace on this journey, resting easy now. May your spirit drift toward a heaven that feels just a little bit emptier without its handball courts, regardless of whatever eternal distances lie ahead. Your entire heart beat in rhythm with the game; we’ve been robbed of a true legend who left an indelible mark on the sport.
nimbleranger17 nimbleranger17 Active Member
175 messages
joined Jan 2023
#6 ·
Megan Moore27 said:Commentator Brkić actually got choked up during the broadcast while talking about Sarač, saying if he were still alive, he’d be right there watching this game too.

If anyone happens to have access to ESPN—this soccer match was recorded, it kicked off at five—would you be so kind as to grab a quick clip on your phone or whatever? I’m dying to hear the exact moment Philip mentions Sarač; I’d love to listen to that bit again. Thanks so much in advance.

Well, you can find the video embedded right here in the article:
Raymond Anderson4 Raymond Anderson4 Regular
479 messages
joined Oct 2024
#7 ·
It’s such a shame to lose a truly good man. Honestly, his coaching record doesn't even matter to me—just by the sound of his voice, you could tell he was a decent person. Life can be incredibly cruel sometimes. It's just sad.
Amanda Robinson4 Amanda Robinson4 Active Member
159 messages
joined Nov 2014
#8 ·
A total pro, through and through. Whether he was out in the field or just hanging out, the guy was always so level-headed and rational, even when things were going completely sideways... It’s a massive shock to all of us, honestly. But I guess that’s just how life goes sometimes. Rest in peace.
Matthew Kern3 Matthew Kern3 MemberOP
22 messages
joined Apr 2020
#9 ·
nimbleranger17 said:I actually found the video embedded right in this article if you want to take a look:

🙏🙏 Thank you so much
Amanda Robinson4 Amanda Robinson4 Active Member
159 messages
joined Nov 2014
#10 ·
Just got escorted out right in front of the high school gym
wiredfox14 wiredfox14 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Feb 2021
#11 ·
I was just sitting there watching ABC, and I couldn't quite figure out if they were planning on airing a replay of that match between Sweden and the US back when our guys clinched the Olympic gold.
James Chavez91 James Chavez91 Active Member
100 messages
joined Mar 2020
#12 ·
One of those guys who made me fall in love with handball in the first place.

A true legend. Rest in peace.
wiredfox14 wiredfox14 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Feb 2021
#13 ·
wiredfox14 said:I was just flipping through ABC earlier and I couldn't tell if they were going to air a replay of that Sweden vs. USA game—you know, the one where our guys clinched the Olympic gold.

Well, I actually managed to track down when that game replay was scheduled to air!

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