Slovenia launches preparations for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

The Olympic Committee of Slovenia (OKS) has officially begun its journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, marking the occasion with events aimed at supporting athletes and instilling Olympic values in the youth.

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Sport connects people the most, especially when 'Zdravljica' plays during our athletes' successes. At that moment, all Slovenian hearts beat in the same rhythm.

Franjo Bobinac, president of the OKS, stressed the significant social role of sports in Slovenia, noting its power to unite the nation, particularly during moments of athletic triumph. He expressed optimism about the upcoming Games in Los Angeles and assured that Slovenian athletes would be well-prepared, with the OKS providing both professional and financial assistance.

Adding a historical perspective, Olympic champion Miroslav Cerar reflected on his own experiences, with the 2028 Games coinciding with the 60th anniversary of his second Olympic gold medal. He urged young athletes to uphold fundamental sports values and respect past generations, emphasizing that while ambition is important, so is the ability to accept failure.

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Olympians are the elite of sport, but they must remain true to the values that sport represents. We must also respect the work of those who paved the way before us.

Cerar recounted his first trip to Los Angeles six decades ago, traveling alone without a coach or support team. He described feeling lost in a less connected world and recalled the unexpected, selfless assistance he received from an East German coach, highlighting it as a crucial example of sportsmanship. The qualification period for the 2028 Olympics has already begun and will continue until June 2028, with the Slovenian contingent expected to be comparable in size and success to the 90 athletes who participated in the Paris 2024 Games.

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I was quite lost, as the world was not as connected then as it is today. An East German coach helped me, who acted as if I were a member of his own team. Selfless help is also one of the important sports values.