Vladimir Grbic
Serbia- Vladimir Grbić: Serbian Volleyball Legend
- Early Career and International Breakthrough
- International Success
- Olympic Moment
- Post-Retirement
- Awards and Honors
Vladimir Grbić: Serbian Volleyball Legend
Vladimir Grbić, a Serbian volleyball player, was born in 1970. He is regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players in history.
Early Career and International Breakthrough
Grbić began his professional career with Vojvodina Novi Sad in 1989. He made his debut with the Yugoslavian national team in 1991 and won a national championship with Vojvodina in the same year.
International Success
Grbić played for several European and South American clubs, including Padua, Cuneo, and Roma in Italy, and Report Suzano in Brazil. He led the Yugoslavian national team to a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, where he was also named the best volleyball player in Europe.
Olympic Moment
Grbić's legacy is marked by a famous play during the third set of the 2000 Olympic final against Russia. He jumped over advertising boards to keep the ball in play and blocked a Russian attack, leading to a crucial point.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from international volleyball in 2006, Grbić received an invitation from an Iranian club in 2010 but negotiations were unsuccessful. In 2011, he became the first Serbian inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honors
Grbić has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career:- Olympic champion (2000)
- Olympic bronze medalist (1996)
- World Championship silver medalist (1998)
- European champion (2001)
- Best Volleyball Player in Europe (2000)
- Serbian Sportsman of the Year (1996, 2000)
- Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee (2011)
- Lifetime Award from European Volleyball Confederation (2013)
Family and Trivia
Grbić's younger brother, Nikola, was also a successful volleyball player, representing Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia. Their father, Miloš Grbić, was also a renowned volleyball player and captain of the Yugoslavian national team. Vladimir Grbić is married to karate athlete Sara Grbić, and they have two daughters. Grbić is known for his shaved head in protest against the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.
