What is the secret of the success of Slovenian athletes?

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 Pannonian worlds 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.

Alpine Slovenia

More

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

More

Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

Pannonian Slovenia – a place to relax in natural spas, try prekmurska gibanica and meet the storks.

Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

More

Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

Liveliness of the capital and nature hikes – to primeval forests.

Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

More

Accessibility and organised sports infrastructure

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.

We like to live actively

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.

Highly motivated

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.

The sports mentality of Slovenians

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.

Explore

Comprehensive support from preparations to competitions

Slovenia is a popular destination for sports preparations and has repeatedly proven to be a good organiser of competitions at 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.

To find out more about the reasons for Slovenian success in competitive sports in general, read the article written by Igor E. Bergant.

Explore

Slovenia is a paradise destination for active experiences

Feel the sports heat that is flooding Slovenia and choose your favourite activity in nature.