Olympic Games: Slovene Athletes Successful
At the Olympic Games in Athens, Slovene athletes have made a favourable impression, and the Games will be remembered thanks to the four medals awarded to Slovenes thus far.
Slovenia first took part in the games in Barcelona in 1992 with only 30 athletes; this year the country was represented by 79 competitors. At the Games, Slovenia has achieved three bronze and one silver medal; in other words, if we compare the number of medals gained per inhabitant, Slovenia ranks fifth in the world. In actual fact, Slovene supporters were expecting medals from their favourite runner Jolanda Čeplak in the 800 meter race and from the rowers Luka Špik and Iztok Čop, who claimed the gold in Sydney. This year’s surprise was bronze judoist Urška Žolnir, who long remained on the reserve list and who, at the very last minute, won her ticket for Athens. Vasilij Žbogar, the reigning European laser sailing champion, also won a bronze medal. The classification of the other Slovene athletes is cause for Slovenia’s high hopes at the next games which will take place in Beijing.
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