Slovenia wins first Mediterranean Games medals in cycling and swimming

Slovenia has secured its first medals at the Mediterranean Games, with cyclist Nika Bobnar earning a bronze in the time trial and swimmer Tina Čelik taking silver in the 100m backstroke. The Games officially opened in Taranto, Italy.

Bobnar, 23, expressed her delight with the medal, noting her confidence in her racing abilities and her strategic approach to the technical course. "I knew I could race well," she stated, "but before the games, I focused more on Monday's road race. I had a very good feeling at the start today, and it was very hot, so I was well-warmed up. The course was very technical, which suited me well. I knew I could gain some speed in the corners that perhaps other competitors lost, which was a big motivation for me. I am truly very satisfied."

Other Slovenian athletes achieved varying results across different sports. In cycling, Dominika Štrukelj finished 12th in the time trial, while Mihael Strajnar placed sixth. In swimming, Primož Šenica Pavletič finished sixth in the 200m backstroke final, narrowly missing a bronze medal. Špela Perše also secured a sixth-place finish in the 1500m freestyle.

Competitions in canoeing, football, bocce, badminton, and taekwondo also saw Slovenian participation. Tjaš Til Kupsch advanced to the A final in the 1000m canoe sprint, while the women's football team lost their opening match. Mixed results were also seen in bocce and badminton, with Domen Molj eliminated in taekwondo.

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I knew I could race well, but before the games, I focused more on Monday's road race. I had a very good feeling at the start today, and it was very hot, so I was well-warmed up. The course was very technical, which suited me well. I knew I could gain some speed in the corners that perhaps other competitors lost, which was a big motivation for me. I am truly very satisfied.