Slovenia’s 16-year-old rising star crowned World U20 champion

Živa Remic has won the 800-meter title at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, USA. The young Slovenian representative, who won Slovenia’s first-ever gold medal at the European U18 Championships in Rieti in May, claimed the world title in 2:03.03.

Slovenia now has its first female world junior champion, following Gregor Cankar, who won the long jump in 1994, and Tom Teršek, who triumphed in the javelin two years ago.

Remic’s gold is Slovenia’s seventh medal at the World U20 Championships, CE Report informs via the Slovenian Athletic Federation's official website.

“Now I have it. I’m very happy that everything worked out the way it did. I was mentally prepared for a tough and fast race, but in the end it was mainly tactical, which suited me because I’m a fast runner. I also feel a great sense of relief and gratitude to everyone around me, especially my coach. Now it’s time for a holiday,” said the just 16-year-old Remic after her victory.

Despite her young age, Remic showed no fear of either the pressure or the competition, defeating several athletes who are two years older than her.

Her coach, Gregor Grad, was equally delighted after the race.

“I’m overjoyed. All the effort has paid off, the really hard work we put in… To have everything work out exactly as I had planned. Congratulations to Živa and the entire team that has helped us,” he said.

Half a second short of bronze

Slovenian junior record-holder Benjamin Lakošeljac also impressed, finishing fourth in the men’s 800 meters.

In an exceptionally fast final, he clocked 1:46.81, the second-best time of his career, finishing just over half a second behind the bronze medal position. The young runner from Izola also finished fourth at the European U18 Championships two years ago.

Another Slovenian finalist, Hana Sekne, finished an excellent eighth in the 100-meter hurdles final in 13.30 seconds.

Zarja Žižek finished ninth in the first semifinal heat of the 400-meter hurdles in 59.29 seconds, recording the 20th-fastest time overall.

Two national records set

Mija Marušič, Manca Marčelja, Gaja Kovačec and Maša Medjimurec set a new Slovenian national record in the 4×400-meter relay with a time of 3:35.60. They finished second in their heat and comfortably advanced to the final.

Nika Jordan Cujnik also reached the final in the triple jump after recording 13.13 meters, the seventh-best qualifying mark.

Another Slovenian national record was set by the women’s 4×100-meter relay team of Urška Ogrizek, Tisa Božič, Neja Mantelj and Katja Tomšič. Their record time of 45.36 seconds earned them seventh place in their heat and 15th overall.

On the final day of the championships in Eugene, Jordan Cujnik will compete in the triple jump and the women’s 4×400-meter relay will contest the final, while Živa Križ will compete in the javelin.

Photo Instagram/zivaremic