Miss Croatia

Ivana Znidaric

Ivana was born in a small town in the northern part of Croatia called Cakovec. She is attending the Linguistic High School learning English and German, Her ambition is to extend her studies when she has finished High School and study Russian, Italian and Hungarian at university because she adores their culture and history. Her hobbies are: reading, acting and dancing, especially classic, modern and Latin-American. Her sporting interests are: Keeping fit, swimming, bicycling and driving. Her motto is "Be yourself and always have your own opinion."


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I was born and I grew up in a small town called Takovec, in the north part of Croatia. I live there with my mother and my twin brother and Sister Toni and Ana. I have an older brother too but he does not live with us.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
I’m still going to high school, but I have done some modelling and this summer I have worked as a waitress because I wanted to earn my own money. The most interesting thing is when we are arranging parties.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
Some day I would like to be a model and work abroad. I hope that this competition will help me by realising that dream. I will also do my best in that way.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
Last year I was organising a big charity function in my school which went very well. We have collected a lot of things which are still a big help to the mentally disabled children, so I was very proud of myself.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
Once I fell on ice in front of a bunch of people. They were all laughing at me so I felt really terrible.

How has your life changed since winning your National Title?
I have stayed exactly the same person as I used to be, only I have been living in Zagreb for the last 3 weeks and I watch my behaviour in public more than usual.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
Last year I was hostessing at the 16th World Handball Championship for women and I met a lot of interesting and famous people who are members of the IHF.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
I would like to finish my school first and then I could travel around the world, work as a model and help some poor countries by organising charity events.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
In fact, I would have two of them; what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, and second; behind the rain there is always sun coming up.

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
I have organised a charity function in my school to help mentally disabled children.
I have sold stamps for the Red Cross.
I have visited CARITAS who are a company which help the poor and the ill. I have also taken them gifts.

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