Slovenian Taekwondo Team Eyes Medals at European Championships in Munich

Munich is set to host the European Taekwondo Championships next week, and Slovenia will be represented by a determined contingent of six athletes. The team boasts a mix of seasoned Olympians and emerging talents, all eager to showcase their skills on the European stage.

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I am leaving for Munich with a good send-off. On the Spanish Open I won a bronze medal. On the final preparations in Belgrade I did injure myself a little, it hurt in my lower back, but I think I have healed the injury well enough in the last few days that it will not hinder me at the competition. I have experience with such things, and I am also aware that adrenaline does its part and I expect that I will not have any major problems.

Among the notable competitors is Ivan Trajković, the most experienced member of the squad, who will compete in the over 87 kg category. Trajković brings a recent bronze medal from the Spanish Open and, despite a minor back injury sustained during training in Belgrade, feels confident in his recovery. "I am leaving for Munich with a good send-off. I won a bronze medal at the Spanish Open. I did injure myself a little during the final preparations in Belgrade, it hurt in my lower back, but I think I have healed the injury well enough in the last few days that it won't hinder me at the competition," Trajković stated, emphasizing his experience with such issues and the adrenaline that often aids athletes during competition.

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At the last preparations I twisted my ankle. Fortunately, we reacted quickly and the injury is somehow healed. Therefore, I think I am capable of reaching for the highest places, but a lot also depends on the daily form and the draw. I hope for the best.

Joining Trajković are fellow Olympians Patrik Divković, Aljaž Miklavčič, Domen Molj, and Ožbolt Molj. The eighteen-year-old Ožbolt Molj, the younger of the Molj brothers, will compete in the under 63 kg category, aiming to surprise opponents. He acknowledged a recent ankle sprain but expressed confidence in his ability to contend for top spots, contingent on his daily form and the draw. Nika Rudolf, the sole female representative in the under 73 kg category, is also making her debut in senior competition at 18 years old. She has been focusing on refining her techniques during recent training camps in Serbia, aiming to avoid further injury.

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I build optimism on the last trainings, which we did in Serbia and where I had a lot of good fights. I wanted to perfect my techniques as much as possible, those that I do best, while at the same time I tried to avoid the injury that has been bothering me lately as much as possible.

The Slovenian team will be led by coaches Jure Pantar and Dragan Zarič. Pantar acknowledged the high level of competition but stressed the team's focus on personal performance. "The competition will again be very demanding, as the best competitors from Europe will be gathered. We are focusing primarily on ourselves, we want our competitors to show their best fights, and at the same time, I believe they will be successful," Pantar said. Coach Zarić added that the team's ultimate goal is to win a medal, reflecting the collective ambition and dedication of the Slovenian taekwondo contingent.

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The competition will again be very demanding, as the best competitors from Europe will be gathered. We are focusing primarily on ourselves, we want our competitors to show their best fights, and at the same time, I believe they will be successful.