Ema Volavšek Tops Rankings for Third Time

Slovenian Nordic combined athlete Ema Volavšek has once again proven her dominance, clinching her third career Summer Grand Prix title. The victory came at the final event in Chaux-Neuve, France, solidifying her top position in the overall standings for the summer series.

Volavšek, who also leads in the cross-country skiing component of the competition, was second after the jumping phase, trailing Austria's Katharina Gruber. However, the 23-year-old Slovenian demonstrated superior speed on the roller skis, transforming a six-second deficit into a 17-second lead by the halfway mark of the five-kilometer race. She ultimately crossed the finish line nearly half a minute ahead of her competitors, securing the win.

Fellow Slovenian Maša Likozar Brankovič, daughter of renowned biathlete Tadeja Brankovič, also achieved a significant milestone. Starting in seventh place, she advanced to finish fifth, her best career result to date. Teja Pavec finished in 12th place. In the overall Summer Grand Prix standings, Volavšek accumulated 430 points, with Likozar Brankovič securing fourth place and Pavec tenth.

The men's competition also saw strong performances from Slovenian athletes. Vid Vrhovnik moved up from tenth place after the jumps to finish fifth in the roller skiing portion, marking his best career result. Gašper Brecl finished 14th. The summer season for the top Slovenian combined athletes will conclude on September 13 with the national championships in Planica.