Slovenia Dominates Cadet European Judo Championship with Four Medals

Slovenia celebrated a historic day at the Cadet European Judo Championship on Gran Canaria, with the national anthem playing twice following gold medal victories.

Neža Hladnik, competing in the under 70 kg category, showcased exceptional talent on her path to the top of the podium. She defeated opponents from France, Lithuania, Poland, Austria, and Ukraine, including a final victory over Ukraine's Diana Samoiljuk. Hladnik, who also plays the harp, secured her most significant achievement to date.

Joining Hladnik on the highest step of the podium was Aleks Krivec in the under 81 kg category. The young judoka from JK Slovenj Gradec also achieved five wins, overcoming competitors from Ukraine, Slovakia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Italy in the final.

Overall, the Slovenian national team returned home with four medals, comprising three gold and one silver. This impressive haul positioned Slovenia as the most successful country at the championship. Earlier, Ilarija Tsurkan won gold in the under 63 kg category, and Zarja Mastnak earned a silver medal in the under 57 kg division.