We've got it!

Anyone who maybe hadn't heard much about Slovenia before, definitely heard about us if they were watching the Olympic Games. Slovenian female and male athletes have once again proved that Slovenia has a prominent place on the Olympic map. Slovenia is among the best in the world in terms of Olympic medals per capita! In Tokyo, 54 female and male athletes represented Slovenia, and never before have there been so many star athletes among them. For the most part, they lived up to expectations. Some even exceeded them. Once again, we had the opportunity to hear the Slovenian national anthem A Toast, to attract the attention of international media, and again make our competitors ask themselves what is it about this nation of two million people that launches such outstanding athletes onto the global sporting stage.

Slovenia is a land of sport

Sport contributes greatly to Slovenia's promotion, visibility and reputation. Slovenia's strategic geographic location in the heart of Europe and its characteristic natural features, such as unspoilt nature, a favourable climate, good infrastructure for active holiday-making and related expertise, make Slovenia an increasingly desirable destination for high-profile sporting events, athletic training and active holidaymaking for tourists. That's why Slovenia is among the countries with a special holiday dedicated to sport.

Why is Slovenia a successful sporting country?

Slovenian heroes in the land of the rising sun

Slovenia already had 65 Olympic medals in its collection before Tokyo Olympics, and added 5 more in Japan. Below are Slovenia's medal winners at the Tokyo Olympics.

 

 

Primož Roglič
road cycling, time trial

Benjamin Savšek
canoe slalom

Janja Garnbret
sport climbing, combined

 

Tina Trstenjak
judo, 63kg

 

Tadej Pogačar
road cycling, road race

Slovenian success also at the Paralympics

Slovenia is collecting medals at the Paralympic Games. To date, Slovenian athletes with disabilities have won an incredible 50 medals. They have also been winning medals at the Tokyo Paralympics. Meet the Slovenian Paralympic heroes.

 

 

Franček Gorazd Tiršek
shooting, 10m air rifle standing, SH2

 

Franček Gorazd Tiršek
shooting, 10m air rifle prone, SH2

Photo: Aleš Fevžer, OKS

Primož Roglič – like a phoenix risen from the ashes to win a gold medal

The cyclist Primož Roglič is definitely one of those athletes who had countless sports fans cheering him on to win an Olympic medal. After all the bad luck he had at the Tour de France and also at his first Olympic cycling race, he practically exploded in the time trial. The fact that he did not stop even after crossing the finish line shows how focused he was in his race of a lifetime. The reward for all the effort invested by the former ski jumper, who bought his first racing bike at the age of 22, was an Olympic gold medal and the title of the Olympic champion in the time trial.

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Come on, give it all you got so you won't regret it. Come on, let's go get the gold. You have to reach the finish line dead, come on, let's go get the gold.

Andrej Hauptman, coach, encouraging Roglič during the Olympic time trial; source: Val 202

 

Photo: Aleš Fevžer, OKS

Benjamin Savšek – storming the rapids

The only thing missing from the collection of medals of the three-time world and three-time European champion in canoe slalom was an Olympic medal. In Slovenia, we say that the third time's the charm, and Benjamin Savšek, at his third Olympic Games, was determined to add an Olympic medal to his list of achievements. In his final performance, he completely dominated the rapids and gave a remarkable performance that earned him the Olympic gold medal he so desperately wanted.

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Photo: Aleš Fevžer, OKS

Janja Garnbret – The queen of sport climbing

The skilful climber from Koroška has been the queen of rock climbing for several years. As the world's first female climber, Garnbret won world championship titles in bouldering, difficulty climbing and Olympic combined at one single world championship. Her sport climbing ranking opened her the way to the Olympic throne. She came to Tokyo very well prepared and proved in the qualification that she would not let the opportunity pass her by. In the final, she proved the prediction true and went on to win the Olympic title.

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Photo: Aleš Fevžer, OKS

Tina Trstenjak – facing an opponent and a friend

Judoka Tina Trstenjak had already won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics. Her opponent in the final was Clarisse Agbegnenou from France, who Tina managed to beat. But in Tokyo – déjà vu. The final, same opponent, just a different result. This time, the French opponent beat Tina, but what happened after their final fight warmed the hearts of sports fans around the globe. After the fight, she embraced the silver medallist Tina and lifted her up in the air. The two opponents in the heat of battle, friends off the tatami – that is what the Olympic spirit is all about.

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Photo: Aleš Fevžer, OKS

Tadej Pogačar – after winning the Tour, he won an Olympic bronze medal

Despite the gruelling three weeks at the Tour de France and even earlier at the Tour of Slovenia, where he was overall winner in both, the cycling prodigy and ambassador of Slovenian tourism Tadej Pogačar gave further proof at the Olympic Games that he is a true phenomenon in cycling. In the final kilometres of the road race, he made a remarkable attack to win an Olympic bronze medal, narrowly missing out on the silver medal. The whole Slovenian team excelled on the Japanese roads, especially Jan Tratnik, who was at the front for most of the race and managed to reduce the considerable advantage of the breakaway riders. His performance definitely deserved a gold medal for best support.

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Photo: Aleš Fevžer, OKS

Slovenian national basketball team – what a team, #mojtim!

If it may have come as a surprise to some that the Slovenian national basketball team qualified for the Olympics for the first time in its history, it soon became clear that it very much deserved its place in the competition. Spurred by the passion of NBA star Luka Dončić, who inspired his teammates to victory, the Slovenian basketball players virtually wiped the floor with their competition. Statistically speaking, the Slovenian game was phenomenal. The players, carefully selected by coach Aleksander Sekulić, displayed great team spirit, camaraderie and fighting spirit on the court. 

They narrowly lost to the French in the semi-finals and were bettered by the Australians in the match for third place. Slovenian basketball players thus earned a historic 4th place.

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Top four in the world, a country with two million people! What a feeling! #mislovenci

Luka Dončić after winning the match against Germany in the quarter-finals

Foto: Vid Ponikar/Sportida

Franček Gorazd Tiršek

At the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Franček Gorazd Tiršek won a silver medal in the men's 10 m air rifle standing SH2 competition and a bronze medal in the men's 10 m air rifle prone competition. He now has four Paralympic medals in his collection.

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So close and exceptional

A number of other Slovenian athletes have come close to winning an Olympic medal, but a top-three place narrowly eluded them. Below are several outstanding achievements that should not be overlooked.

Why is Slovenia so successful in sports? 

In the light of the numerous achievements of Slovenian sportsmen and sportswomen, many have asked this question there are a number of different answers. Slovenia is a sporting nation not only because of our world-class athletes, but also because of the high level of physical activity of the general population. We are motivated to engage in a wide range of recreational activities thanks to the picturesque nature always close at hand and our well-maintained and accessible sports facilities.

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Sport is in our blood

You will have no trouble to find an activity that suits you in Slovenia.  Slovenians enjoy hiking, cycling, and spending winters on skis of every kind.

10 reasons why you should go cycling around Slovenia

Slovenia is a paradise for cyclists. Cycling is one of the most popular activities among Slovenians. The successes of Slovenian cyclists at top cycling races additionally boost the enthusiasm for cycling. The diverse landscape is the perfect venue for all kinds of cycling – road to mountain cycling, family cycling or long-distance challenges. Discover more reasons why it is worth visiting Slovenia by bike.

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10 reasons why you should go cycling around Slovenia

10 reasons why you should go cycling around Slovenia

Slovenia is a paradise for cyclists. Cycling is one of the most popular activities among Slovenians. The successes of Slovenian cyclists at top cycling races additionally boost the enthusiasm for cycling. The diverse landscape is the perfect venue for all kinds of cycling – road to mountain cycling, family cycling or long-distance challenges. Discover more reasons why it is worth visiting Slovenia by bike.

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Join hikers in Slovenia

Join hikers in Slovenia

The beauty of Slovenia's mountains and hills draws many people out of the valleys and up to the heights.  But not just to the heights! Those who do not enjoy hiking up mountains can opt for trails in the lowlands. In total, there are more than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails in Slovenia. Along the trails, you can make a stop at shops and businesses offering services specially tailored to the needs of hikers.

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An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

If you are an adrenaline lover, you can enjoy a wide range of adrenaline-filled experiences in Slovenia. You will find plenty of adventures to get your blood pumping, such as going down river rapids, enjoying bird's-eye views of the landscape, riding single tracks through trees and much more.

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Top water activities

Top water activities

Slovenian waters are amazing and perfect for active experiences. The crystal clear waters will make you want to enjoy all kinds of experiences. Rivers, lakes and the sea are perfect for rowing, swimming, fishing and other adventures that will thrill and refresh you.

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Active in the snow

Active in the snow

When snow starts to fall in Slovenia, the winter fun begins. This is the time when we put on our skis – be it Alpine, touring or Nordic cross-country – go sledding down white slopes, or simply make your way through the snowy landscape with winter boots or snowshoes. Give in to childish excitement in the snow. More

Slovenia has a holiday dedicated to sports

We Slovenians are rightly proud of our athletes. They inspire us on every step. Our commitment to sport is so great that we have even dedicated a holiday to it. The Day of Slovenian Sport is celebrated on the 23 September, marking the day on which rowers Iztok Čop and Luka Špik in the double sculls and shooter Rajmond Debevec clinched the first gold medals for an independent Slovenia at the Sydney Olympics.

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Get to know the land of champions

Slovenia is a small country with a heart that beats for sports. However, it is also exceptional in many other areas. It boasts four different geographical regions, has a diverse culinary landscape and was awarded the title the European Gastronomic Region 2021, offers unique ways to relax and has a friendly people.

10 evergreen reasons to visit Slovenia in 2024

10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2024.

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Slovenia = a land of sustainable cuisine

Enjoy cuisine that is devoted to the local environment and people.

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Unique accommodation in Slovenia

Spend your dream holiday in world-class comfort and in authentic touch with nature.

Unique accommodation in Slovenia

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Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Green story of Slovenia

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Discover nature

Feel the beneficial effects of the green natural environment in Slovenia.

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Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

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