President Stjepan Mesic has received Janica Kostelic, the winner of the World Ski Cup, her father and coach Ante Kostelic and the director of the alpine ski pool Vedran Pavlek and awarded them the medal.

Janica Kostelic, the winner of the World Cup was awarded the Order of King Branimr with a chain " for extraordinary sports results that have had much work and effort put in it, which led to her capturing the World Cup, becoming an ambassador of sport and in that way promoting Croatian sport and the country."

- I would like to congratulate you on your great success. You have shown that with the support of the family and the right coach things can be done that some athletes across the world can only dream of. I am glad that you are here and am especially glad to see that you have recovered from your injury and are able to accomplish more success - said president Mesic speaking to Janica.

The world's best skier for the last season had a short and clear comment on what this Croatian medal means to her: "It is not every day that you receive such a medal, nor is everyone able to get it. This is a particular honour for me".

Ante Kostelic and Vedran Pavlek were awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska medals of honour bearing the shiluette of Franjo Bucar, for their many years of work on the developing of Croatian sport and for their contribution to the winning of the World Cup, as well as for their great efforts in leading the Croatian ski squad.