Djurdjica Bjedov, born in Split on 5 April 1947, started her swimming career in the POSK club in that Adriatic city and was in that club until her transfer to the other local club, Mornar, in 1962.
Bjedov, whose nickname was "Djuka Nacionale", astounded the whole world with her surprise victory in the final 100 m breaststroke race in the Olympic Games on 19 October 1968.
Upon her arrival at the finish, Bjedov herself was surprised, asking in disbelief if it was possible that she was the winner, defeating Galina Prozumenshchikova of the Soviet Union and Sharon Lynn Wichman of the United States.
Bjedov also broke the Olympic record with her time - 1:15.8
On 23 October, Bjedov won the silver in the 200 m breaststroke at the Alberca Olimpica Francisco Marquez swimming pool when American Sharon Wichman became the champion.
After retiring from competitions, Bjedov worked as a swimming coach.
Bjedov was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1987.