This summer in Paris, Dan Golubovic will make his Olympic debut in the decathlon. It's the culmination of a long journey - and thousands hours of hard work - that started in Manhattan Beach.

For as long as he can remember, Golubovic was immersed in the vibrant sports culture of Manhattan Beach. His parents, Dan Sr. and Darcy, instilled in him a love for competition and physical activity. "My parents believed in keeping us busy with sports," Golubovic recalls, reflecting on his early years. "It laid the foundation for everything that followed."

(Photo via Daniel Golubovic)

After suffering injuries, narrowly missing the 2020/21 Tokyo Olympics, and balancing the challenges of family and a demanding job, Golubovic's hard work has paid off with an opportunity to demonstrate his determination and skills in the Olympic spotlight. Golubovic, who holds dual American and Australian citizenship, will compete for Australia.

School Years and Athletic Development

(Photo courtesy of Dan Golubovic)

 

International Journey and Representing Australia

An unexpected turn of events brought Golubovic to Australia when his grandmother fell ill in 2019. While there, Golubovic connected with Australian athletes and experienced the intense training environment firsthand. "Training with Australian athletes opened my eyes to a new level of dedication and professionalism," Golubovic recalls. Inspired by his experiences, Golubovic made the strategic decision to compete for the Australian national team. 

"It felt right," he explains. "Australia has always held a special place in my heart." Golubovic jokes about how his Grand View kindergarten teachers struggled to understand him when he started elementary school with an Australian accent, despite having only ever lived in Manhattan Beach. 

(Photo credit: Cedric Dubler)

Missing the Tokyo Olympics

"Every career has its ups and downs," reflects Golubovic, recounting the challenges of the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2020-2021. He recalls a pivotal moment when he suffered a patella chondral fracture during Australia's national championships, necessitating knee surgery just seven weeks before the last Olympic qualification competition. 

The new qualification system, which weighed competition locations alongside performance, added significant pressure amid lingering COVID-related travel restrictions in Australia. Despite achieving a personal best, Golubovic's standout performance at a local competition fell short of global qualification standards. 

Describing the experience as akin to a near-perfect story halted abruptly, he lamented, "It's like throwing a massive Hail Mary and getting taken down at the one-yard line." 

Nonetheless, Golubovic finds solace in the belief that everything happens for a reason, citing personal growth and blessings such as meeting his wife and starting a family. Looking forward, he advises aspiring athletes to combine hard work with strategic planning, emphasizing balance and maintaining perspective through setbacks.

Training Regimen and Diet

Golubovic's training regimen is highly structured and adapted to the ever-changing demands of decathlon, especially as athletes age. "Consistency is key," Golubovic asserts. "The most successful athletes are those who can stay injury-free and maintain their health throughout the season." He outlines a comprehensive weekly schedule that includes touching on every event at least once, with a focus on three sprint sessions, an aerobic track session, and a mid-week bike session. "I align my gym sessions strategically," Golubovic explains, "often coupling them with sprint days to optimize recovery time."

(Photo credit: Bjorn Paree)

A significant part of Golubovic’s training revolves around recovery. "Proper nutrition, ample sleep, and regular physiotherapy are non-negotiable," Golubovic emphasizes. He stresses the delicate balance required in decathlon training to avoid injuries while still achieving the necessary volume. "Even minor lapses in preparation can lead to setbacks," Golubovic reflects, citing examples like hamstring pulls during hurdle repetitions.

Balancing Work and Training

(Golubovic celebrates with friends and family. Photo via Dan Golubovic.)

Recently transitioning to part-time work, Golubovic prioritized recovery and focused on honing his training regimen, crucial for achieving his Olympic qualification goals. "Finding this balance has been critical," Golubovic emphasizes, "not only for my athletic performance but for my overall well-being." These adjustments have enabled Golubovic to intensify his focus on athletic pursuits while effectively managing the demands of his professional career. 

Community Spirit and Family Bonds

The tight-knit community of Manhattan Beach continues to play a crucial role in Golubovic’s journey. From an early childhood memory of participating in the Opening Day Little League parade, where he felt the community's overwhelming support and envisioned a future as a professional athlete, Manhattan Beach has been more than just a place to live—it’s a community that nurtures dreams. 

"It’s incredible how this community rallies behind its own," Golubovic’s father remarks, reflecting on the enduring support they've received. Emphasizing the community's role in fostering resilience and ambition, he continues: "Manhattan Beach breeds champions, not just in sports but in life."

Preparations for Paris 2024

With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, the support from his family and community remains steadfast. "Their encouragement fuels me," Golubovic admits. Adding that he feels humbled by the outpouring of support, he says, "I feel privileged to represent Australia on the world stage."

When asked which his favorite event is, Dan says the 110m hurdles.  However, he believes that his success as a decathlete is due to his versatility. "I can pick up a bunch of different skills easily. While I may not be as strong in any of them as an individual competitor, my ability to do all of them, all the time, is where I shine," he explains.

Golubovic remains focused on his training while cherishing the moments spent with his family and community. "It’s about more than medals," he reflects. "It’s about the journey and the people who have believed in me every step of the way."

Looking ahead, Golubovic envisions returning to Manhattan Beach to settle down in the future. "Manhattan Beach has always been home," he shares, "and I hope to establish roots there after my athletic career. The foundation and lifestyle that growing up in Manhattan Beach granted me is something that I cherish, and something that I would like my own kids to experience as well." 

As he gears up for Paris 2024, Golubovic looks forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead, knowing that his journey is deeply intertwined with the support of his beloved community.

Editor's note: Speaking of world-class athletes raised in Manhattan Beach, don't miss our earlier story about Manhattan Beach's Taylor Spivey, who is headed to the Olympics in the triathlon.