Episode 6: the Slovenian delegation is not in shape…
Slovenia is often confused with Slovakia. Each year, nearly 600 kg of mail should be forwarded to one or other of the two countries. Slovenia is a country of former Yugoslavia, independent since 1991, member of the European Union since 2004 and member of the Euro zone since 2007. Tadeja Donko is the only athlete of the Slovenian delegation...
Par alfathor
Presentation
Tadeja was alone in these European Championships because of conflicts that occurred between two of the three clubs in her country. It means that she had to skate alone, without teammates for her first European Championships in the Junior category A. She was bornin the eastern city of Slovenia, Lendava. Tadeja regularly trains in neighboring Hungary. But this year, with her studies, she could not fully concentrate on her sport. Her athletic goals have been necessarily and reasonably scaled back: « I want to get into a Top 15, or at least part be part of the first half of the classified. »
She is there this year to represent her country. « Our delegation had to be present! « . So these are three Slovenians who came frome Slovenia to the Netherlands: Tadeja of course, her coach (which is also her dad), and a Federal Commissioner.
As the only skater of the Danish delegation, Tadeja has a more favorable financial treatment when the delegation is « normally » made up. So the federation has supported all costs to go to Heerde and Zwolle! By comparison, last year, three athletes were involved in the European Championships in San Benedetto del Tronto (Italy). Only the registration fee were supported by the federation.
The young Slovenian is motivated by her pleasure to skate. She hopes to better prepare for next year. Usually, she trains and tries to acquire as much experience as possible by participating in international competitions such as Gross-Gerau (Germany). She also participates in many competitions in Hungary. « If I only stay in Slovenia, I do not improve » she confesses. « We are only 30 to 40 skaters in Slovenia, only two girls in the Junior category A. We only have a flat track. It looks almost more like a road circuit in fact.  » Most often, the Slovenes are training on parkings.
When we underline the issue of world championships, Tadeja replied that it certainly will not this year. She knows she is far from her best. Representing her country at the European Championships, it was important, but do not overdo it either: « I really do not have the skills to participate to the world championships this year! « Why not next year in Italy? Tadeja already dreams about it … like her Daddy!
Links
Unknown delegations in European Championships 2011: Portugal and UK
Unknown delegations in European Championships 2011: Sweden
Unknown delegations in European Championships 2011: Czech Republic
Unknown delegations in European Championships 2011: Danemark
Unknown delegations in European Championships 2011: Slovenia
Unknown delegations in European Championships 2011: Hungary
Translated by Alfathor
Photos : www.pomurje.si
