Mirela Ivanović from Županja achieved a notable result at the world massage competition organised by the WMF in Belgrade, where she was the sole representative from Croatia. In a field of masseurs from around the world, she won first place in the "freestyle massage" category, while taking third place in the "wellness & spa" category.
The competition brought together participants who could showcase their skills in the "asian freestyle", "chair oil massage", "sports massage" and "4 hands massage" categories. The competition system was eliminatory, i.e. one-on-one. The judges were focused on the competitors for the entire 10 minutes that one "battle" lasts, with the losing competitor being eliminated, while the winner advances to the next round based on the judges' scores.
Mirela Ivanović attended various courses, during which she met wonderful people, now fellow masseurs, who suggested ambitious participation in massage competitions. Her path to the Belgrade competition included a previous appearance at the world massage competition organised by the WMF in Sarajevo, held from 25 to 26 April 2026.
More than 100 competitors from 37 countries participated in that competition in Sarajevo. Mirela Ivanović was the sole competitor from Croatia in the "beginners" category and took fifth place.
Mirela Ivanović's short-term plan and goal is to become a certified WMF judge. Her long-term plan, or wish, is to bring the hosting of the world massage competition organised by the WMF to Croatia, specifically to Slavonia.
