Brothers in sync: Patrik and Anton Lončarić on rowing, Croatia and the pursuit of excellence

by croatiaweek
June 24, 2026
in Sport

Patrik and Anton Lončarić (Photo credit: Magdalena Šeketa)

By Hana Klain

In the world of rowing, where medals are often decided by fractions of a second, brothers Patrik and Anton Lončarić have spent years proving that synchronisation, trust and a shared goal are just as important as strength and endurance.

The twins from Osijek have grown into one of the most successful names in Croatian rowing, from World and European junior champions to Olympians who have helped place Croatia among the world’s leading rowing nations.

Their journey from their first strokes on the Drava River to the biggest international stages is a story of dedication, sacrifice and the unique bond of two brothers who have been rowing as one for years.

Croatia is known for football, handball and tennis, yet Croatian rowers consistently bring home major medals. Do you think rowing still doesn’t receive the attention it deserves?

Rowing has remained largely an amateur sport on the global sporting scene and, because of that, it may not receive as much media attention in Croatia.

Of course, as Croatia’s most successful summer Olympic sport, rowing is regularly featured when medals are won. Outside those moments, however, coverage is quite limited, which we believe is a shame.

You are brothers, training and competing together. Is the biggest advantage that you know each other so well, or can it sometimes be a challenge because you know each other too well?

We definitely see it as an advantage because we always have each other, both in good times and difficult ones. Being twin brothers means we probably spend more time together than most people, so small disagreements do happen.

However, when there is a common goal, we quickly overcome obstacles and focus on what matters most, training and competition.

Knowing each other so deeply is especially valuable during races and demanding training sessions because we trust completely that the other person is fully committed. Without that level of trust, success in sport is impossible.

If you had to explain rowing to someone, what would you say this sport gives a person?

Rowing is a sport of synchronisation, speed and endurance that demands complete dedication and commitment while developing discipline, perseverance and a strong work ethic.

Most people only see a few minutes of racing. What happens in the months and years leading up to those few minutes on the water?

Behind every few minutes of racing are hundreds and thousands of hours of hard work and constant refinement of rowing technique.

Training happens every day, whether it’s sunny, rainy or windy, all with one goal: to cover the 2,000-metre course as fast as possible.

Is there a particular moment at a competition when you thought: “This is why we do this sport”?

Of course, standing on the podium with a medal around your neck is always special, especially when you are watching your national flag being raised and singing the anthem. But for us, that feeling exists almost every day. There is something indescribable about rowing on calm water during a peaceful training session. That feeling alone is one of the biggest reasons why we love this sport.

Croatia has a wealth of rivers, lakes and coastline. In your opinion, where are the best places in Croatia to fall in love with rowing, and why?

Croatia is definitely one of the most beautiful countries in the world for rowing because of its incredible water resources. Every place where we have rowed in Croatia offers a unique experience and a reason to return.

We would particularly highlight the lake Peruća, where we have spent our summer training camps for the past ten years. Every day we are amazed by its vast, mirror-like surface of perfectly calm water, gently disturbed only by the passage of our boat.

(Photo credit: Toni Urlić)

When you first got into a rowing boat, did you immediately know rowing would become your life’s path, or was there another sporting passion?

We first stepped into a rowing boat in the summer of 2010. At the beginning, what kept us coming back was the great group of friends in the club.

A year or two later, our love for rowing grew stronger and eventually led us to the achievements we enjoy today.

Rowing is a sport where there is nowhere to hide behind teammates, technology or luck. What has rowing taught you about life beyond sport?

Rowing has definitely taught us perseverance and the understanding that only hard work and dedication lead to success. It is equally important to learn how to handle both victories and defeats because every athlete experiences both throughout their career.

If you could invite anyone from Croatian history or modern-day Croatia into your boat, who would it be and what would you talk about during training?

That’s an interesting question. We would probably choose Luka Modrić. He could even be our coxswain – even though we compete in a coxless pair! He would perhaps have to listen to us as captains for a change, while we would have the chance to ask him what it feels like to be a global sporting icon. We believe we would all learn something new.

Many young Croats born abroad are looking for ways to stay connected to their heritage. Can sport be one of the strongest bridges between Croatia and its diaspora?

Absolutely. We believe it always has been. Sport connects people not only through major events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships but also through everyday participation and shared experiences.

Whenever we compete abroad, we regularly meet Croatians from the diaspora who come to support us. Sport, like music, knows no borders.

When your professional careers eventually come to an end, how would you like people to remember you, for medals, records or something else entirely?

As athletes, results, medals and records are naturally very important to us. However, we would also like people to remember us as good people who love sport and promote healthy living, physical activity and Croatia itself.

Our country is known around the world for its natural beauty and exceptional athletes, and it would be an honour if our names one day stood alongside the Croatian sporting icons through whom many people first recognise Croatia, such as our fellow Osijek native Davor Šuker.