Croatian Alpine skier Zrinka Ljutic wins 28th International Matteo Baumgarten Award
May 22, 2025·Inside FIS
Croatian student and athlete Zrinka Ljutic is the 28th recipient of the annual Baumgarten award. The international recognition is in honor of the late Matteo Baumgarten, who was a promising skier and an equally brilliant student.
The prestigious award was established by his parents as a way of honoring their late son with the aim of recognizing young athletes with the same dedication to academics and sport, just like Matteo.
By winning the award, Zrinka joins a long list of past participants.
“To be chosen to receive an award like this is truly something special and something that I carry with great pride,” she said in a message to the Baumgarten family.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of Matteo’s legacy – it is a responsibility that I carry with great pride and with all of my heart.”
Zrinka was one of nineteen candidates from eleven different National Ski Associations (NSAs).
Born in Zagreb in 2004, she is an Alpine specialist and Kinesiology student in her hometown. Ljutic has enjoyed a successful 2024/2025 season on the snow, reaching nine podium finishes to earn her first FIS World Cup Crystal Globe, in Slalom.
While the young skier was unable to accept the honor in person, her parents did so on her behalf. On the evening, several teachers were invited to speak, giving their own emotional testimonies of Matteo and the significance of this award.
FIS extends its congratulations to Zrinka and gives thanks to all nominees and NSAs who participated in this year’s selection process.
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