Janica Kostelić Joins Laureus Academy

As one of the greatest world skiers, and one of Croatian’s most successful athletes, Janica Kostelić has been admitted as a member of the world sports academy, Laureus, and thus joins the ranks of 46 greatest world sports legends.

As one of the greatest world skiers and one of  Croatia’s most successful athletes, Janica Kostelić, has been admitted as a member of the world sports academy Laureus. The other members of the academy are 46 top-athletes who have made sporting history. Once their sports careers were over, they have dedicated their efforts to humanitarian work.  By extending their support to the projects of the Laureus foundation, they promote the spirit of sportsmanship and unity by helping underprivileged children worldwide, including those who lack the means to attend regular education or take part in sports. Prominent members of the Laurus Academy are Sergej Bubka, Michael Jordan, Nadia Comaneci, Franz Backenbauer, Martina Navratilova, Mark Spitz, Boris Becker, Katarina Witt, etc.
The academy was founded in 1999 by the companies Daimler Chrysler and Richemont. Its president is  Edwin Moses. According to Laureus, Janica Kostelić was the top world athlete in 2006. In addition to other top prizes, she also boasts three Olympic gold and silver medals from Lake City, the most coveted of all prizes for any athlete. 
Besides Janica Kostelić, Laureus Sports Academy Award has been awarded to the former Croatian tennis player Goran Ivanišević for the 2002 comeback of the year.