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It was a season to remember for Slovenian canoeing as this country celebrated the first Olympic gold medal in canoeing in its history. As expected, the Olympic champion Benjamin Savšek became the best paddler of the year. This, however, was not the only medal 34-year-old canoeist won in 2021. He also won a team medal at European Championships in Ivrea, and medals at world cup races which brought him the podium position in the overall standings of the series.

 

“I am very pleased with the season. My biggest goal were the Olympics. I achieved this with distinction. The podiums at the World Cups before the Olympics were excellent preparations before the peak of the season. The podium in the World Cup standings were just the icing on the cake. This was one of the best seasons in my career so far,” said Savšek, adding, ”Recognition for the best athlete of the year in Slovenia means a lot to me, especially when I have in mind the Slovenian competition and all the top performances we showed this year. We all do our best every day, on and off the water, and we invest enormous energy in every performance. This year I was awarded for this effort with the Olympic medal and the recognition for the best athlete. I dedicate it to all the people who have been with me all the time.”

 

The selection of the best female athlete was more demanding. In the end, Eva Terčelj was celebrating the title for the third year in a row. The kayaker from Ljubljana club won second place at the European Championships in Italy, and was third in the overall World Cup standings.

 

“Every success requires a lot of effort and sacrifice, so it's nice to look back on the past season and achievements. I am happy for such recognitions, as it is a confirmation that my successes and work are also appreciated by others. The title of European vice-champion and third place in the overall World Cup standings are top achievements that show that we are doing well with the team and we are on the right track. Unfortunately, it did not go as expected at the Olympic Games and the World Championships, but new opportunities are coming soon. I want to continue to enjoy training and competitions and push the boundaries of my own abilities,” said Eva.

 

Savšek and Terčeljeva were also the best wild water competitors of the year. Anja Osterman received the award for the best flatwater competitor. Together with Špela Ponomarenko Janić, they became European champions in the K2 200m and were also on the podium at the World Cup in Szeged. The best male flatwater competitor is Jošt Zakrajšek. The best junior of the year was Jan Ločnikar, Helena Domajnko received the award for the best female junior of the year. The best coach of the year is Jože Vidmar, co-creator of the exceptional successes of Benjamin Savšek.

 

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of its foundation, the Kayak Canoe Club Ljubljana, which was founded in October 1931 and is the first kayak club in Slovenia, received a special plaque.