What is the secret of the success of Slovenian athletes?
Although small in area, Slovenia is large when it comes to sporting success per capita. Check out some of the reasons why the green country in the heart of Europe has so many top athletes.
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Country of champions
Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, Luka Dončić and many other Slovenian names in the world of sports fill the headlines of the world media. With the incredible achievements of Slovenian athletes, some people even think that they come from another planet. No, they come from Slovenia, a small green country in Central Europe, which has a big sporting heart.
Many people wonder how a nation of 2 million people can be so successful and versatile in sports. The reasons for this could be discussed for hours and hours. Former sports journalist Igor E. Bergant listed some of the most noteworthy reasons for Slovenia’s success in his article, which we have summarised to bring you a touch of the Olympic spirit before the games in Paris.
Geographical diversity
It would be hard to find a country that combines such different types of landscapes in such a small area. In Slovenia, the Alpine, Mediterranean, Karst and Pannonianworlds meet. Distances between areas are relatively short – from the centre of Slovenia you can be in different parts of the country in less than two hours, while in one day you can be in the Alps and at sea. Nature is also close to you in the cities – just a few steps from urban centres. All these natural resources provide excellent training grounds for various activities
Alpine Slovenia
Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.
Slovenia mostly has a well-organised sports infrastructure. School gyms are often open to athletes and recreationists. Although sports activities are not free, they are often supported and subsidised by local communities and sponsors. In many clubs, work is based on volunteering. Parents also play an important role, especially for younger athletes.
Rich sports tradition
For Slovenians, sport is, so to speak, written in our genes. At the time of the strengthening of the Slovenian national consciousness in the middle of the 19th century, gymnastics also played an important role. At the beginning of the 20th century, gymnastic societies operated in the Slovenian territory, primarily the Sokol and Orel movements. Gymnastics was once one of the most successful Slovenian sports at the Olympic Games, mainly thanks to the legendary Leon Štukelj and Miro Cerar. Today, other sports are also coming to the forefront. The Slovenian list of medals and outstanding achievements and sports disciplines, where they are achieved,becomes longer from year to year.
Slovenia has a sporting heart
Slovenia is truly a phenomenon on a global scale when talking about the top achievements of Slovenian athletes. The list of names who have achieved success after success in their sport disciplines in the past is vast. But Slovenian athletes do not stop at just winning medals – they are increasingly drawing attention to themselves with record achievements. Meet some of the most famous current names of Slovenian sports, who have won the hearts of sports fans around the world.
Slovenians like to be active. More than two thirds of the population participate in recreational sports. The most popular activities in Slovenia are hiking, cycling, running and skiing in the winter. We have about 7,000 categorised athletes. Since last year, Slovenia has also had its own national holiday dedicated to sport.
Although few Slovenian athletes can boast of high earnings from sports, the motivation for taking part in sports is high. We are inspired by nature itself, which welcomes outdoor activities with its beauty. Sports success motivates young people to try various sports, while support from parents is also important. It also promotes sports participation as one of the factors for good health at the national and local levels through various projects.
Work with young people is strong in many sports and the basis they get is a good springboard for a breakthrough abroad. For example, we have many top Slovenian athletes in the best European, American and other strong leagues and clubs.
Luka Dončić, the Slovenian NBA star
Young basketball star Luka Dončić, wearing the jersey of the Dallas Mavericks, has impressed the basketball world and the NBA.
Slovenians are known as a diligent nation and are eager to prove themselves. We may lack slightly in terms of self-confidence, but we compensate for this with perseverance, fighting spirit and heartiness. Because resources, including human resources, are limited, athletes are given a second, third, and fourth chance, which does not happen often in countries with a larger "pool" of competitors. The most successful Slovenian national teams are based on players who have known each other for years, are friends and are at the same time properly directed. Teams often win on the wings of interconnectedness and heartiness, to which even the biggest stars know how to submit.
Comprehensive support from preparations to competitions
Slovenia is a popular destination for sports preparations and has repeatedly proven to be a good organiser of competitionsat the highest level. Specialised sports centres are connected with tourist destinations, such as Slovenian natural health resorts. The health resorts have their own specialised medical centres that also include programmes for athletes.
Modern summer and winter outdoor sports centres are complemented by stadiums, competition tracks, equipment and accompanying indoor facilities designed for the needs of individual sports disciplines. Athletes are guaranteed privacy during preparations and competitions, while Slovenia is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world.
Good conditions for sports preparations and competitions at the highest levels are inter alia provided by seven Olympic sports centres, which are complemented by national discipline centres and sports centres at the regional and local levels.
Good sports and other infrastructure, the proximity of rehabilitation centres, excellent support in the organisation of sports events and a long list of Slovenian sports achievements are just some of the reasons why Slovenia is a top destination for sports events and training athletes in various disciplines. Take a tour of our sports portal and discover the possibilities for sports in Slovenia.
Welcome to the land of exceptional sports culture. Get to know the possibilities of why Slovenia is an excellent sports choice for the successful implementation of sports preparations and the organization of recreational and top sports competitions.
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