Slovenia will welcome the junior athletes to Slovenj Gradiec this weekend the Junior European Cup 2024. With 338 athletes from 35 nations inscribed for the event, it will be an exciting weekend. With the live draw tomorrow at 20:00 CEST the athletes are preparing for competition on the 29th and 30th of June as well as fifth place finishes in Senior Cups; East Sarajevo and Dubrovnik All but one of the top ten are in the heavyweight categories This means lightweight men will compete Saturday the only top ten lightweight will be Austria’s Carina KLAUS-STERNWEISER at -52kg who most recently won at home in the Graz Junior European Cup Slovenia will continue to have high medal hopes on day two, Vid KAVNIK is WRL #7 and will be the number three seed in the -100kg category behind three-time Junior European Cup winner, Jakob VARES (EST) and Junior European bronze medallist, Bogdan PETRE (ROU) Kavnik may have some junior wins but he can also lay claim to senior gold medals including the Montreal Panamerican Open as well as the junior gold in the same event In the -90kg category, one to watch will be Miljan RADULJ (SRB), the WRL #2 who took a Junior European bronze last year, adding to his EYOF and Cadet success in previous years. Radulj will be contested by Ivan KUTENKOV (UKR) the Junior European silver medallist from 2022 Kutenkov also tried his hand on the senior circuit succeeding to take silver in the Gyor European Open History making Giannis ANTONIOU (CYP) will also be looking to improve his standing the Junior European silver and World bronze medallist had made a huge mark on the map for Cyprus He won’t be without competition on day two however who has not only been successful on the junior circuit but secured an U23 European bronze in 2023 Find the full line up of athletes at JudoTV.com This weekend was a busy one for the juniors in Slovenj Gradec The strong competition hosted athletes from 34 countries on three continents The Ukrainian athletes topped the medal table with strong performances in various categories ranked number two in the world in the +100 kg category Israel’s number one Yuli Alma Mishiner the world number one in the +78kg category The home nation stepped up a notch and finished second on the medal table with two gold medals from Leila Mazouzi in the -63kg category and Nika Tomc in the -57kg category the President of the European Judo Union (EJU) emphasising the importance of the event in the European Junior Judo Tour the judo activities in Slovenj Gradec continue with the EJU Junior Training Camp in which 17 countries and over 200 athletes are taking part Congratulations to all medallists and participants of the Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup It was hard when people said I would win, that this is easy, that everything is easy for me when they do not know about what I was going through before the Olympics. – Janja Garnbret At 23-years-old, she has attained an almost mythic quality. With more victories to her name than any person before her, Janja Garnbret has become the greatest of all time. She is Sport Climbing’s original Olympic gold medal champion and the most recent World Cup victor. In media, Garnbret has become someone larger than life. Although she is one of the incredible athletes of our time, she is also a climber. She grew up in Slovenj Gradec from parents unfamiliar with the sport. Slovenj Gradec is just an hour outside of the capital, Ljubljana. The country itself is small and you can drive across it in about three hours. Many western climbers cannot imagine the Slovenian countryside, but the space includes mountains and coastlines, lakes and forests and the many smaller crags that make up the country’s rock climbing. When she started, there were already icons in Slovenian climbing, but the sport was small. At six-years-old, Garnbret fell in love with climbing. Less than a year later, she began competing. It became a part of her identity. Today, 18 years later, she feels the same as when she started. “I just look different,” she said. “My personal relationship with climbing hasn’t changed. I get the same feeling now as when I was a kid. The same excited person, but just with a little more experience.” As one of the great ambassadors for the sport, it is not surprising that she has retained the original awe so many new climbers find when they begin. That insatiable desire to progress is made more beautiful with time as it matures into a master’s philosophy. For Garnbret, climbing is a beautiful sport. “It deserves everybody’s recognition.” She continued to describe its value through accessibility across age categories. “There are no rules on when to start climbing,” she said. “Climbing is for life; it is not just for one part of your life.” This love for the sport, and the propagation of climbing through to prospective participants was one reason Garnbret wanted to work on The Wall: Climb for Gold. Over the course of these four months, Gripped interviewed and published pieces with Garnbret’s co-stars Brooke Raboutou and Shauna Coxsey. They each offered unique perspectives on the pressure of the Olympic Games, but Garnbret’s story differed from the rest. Although both athletes have immense experience in the sport, Coxsey took the perspective of an athlete struggling to overcome injury, while Raboutou offered the lens of a 19-year-old college student that had to manage her life’s many priorities. For Garnbret, and her third and final co-star Miho Nonaka, the pressure was on winning. In the men’s category, several favourites existed, but Adam Ondra and Tomoa Naraski appeared the obvious picks. Still, the men’s field offered room for surprise. In the women’s field, the media’s perspective was one of certainty: Garnbret will win the Olympic Games. This pressure pushed her hard. Although she said that she sought a silver lining, and interpreted the levied expectation as support, she also found it difficult that people thought it easy for her to win. Although the Slovenian is talented, it takes work to become the best in the world. It takes more work to maintain that position. With the help of Roman Krajnik, her coach, Garnbret worked her weaknesses in order to prepare for the hardest competition of her life. “I feel like without him the journey to the Olympics wouldn’t have been possible. He put a lot of effort into making my dreams a reality. I may be the one wearing the medal, but he is why everything worked. I trust him 100% and he trusts me, and I believe that’s why it’s working. “He is the best coach on the planet, there is no secret. The secret is just that we are training hard. He always has a good plan and he knows me very well. He knows my weaknesses, he knows what I am good at. We communicate everything. If there is a problem, I tell him what is bothering me.” A post shared by JANJA GARNBRET (@janja_garnbret) Although there are many reasons to watch The Wall: Climb for Gold a climber may find one of the most inspiring causes in the work displayed by Garnbret and Krajnik in training and Krajnik’s unshakable demeanor carries no illusions of grandeur He knows it will take everything for her to win and feels the pressure with her Krajnik does not appear to push Garnbret outside of her values relating to the sport It is a long-term love that is personal and comprehensive she decided to compete in the Slovenia-hosted World Cup Although she had plans to compete at the World Championships the two-year period of training and focus gave way to a need for rest Garnbret took a month away from climbing to recharge and reflect Returning to training, Garnbret pushed on into 2022 with the Boulder World Cup Series opener in Meiringen, Switzerland. She won gold and decided to conclude her Boulder Series on that high note “I’ve decided to skip the [rest of the] Boulder season this year The Olympics last year were a pretty hard take on physical and mental preparation so I feel that I need a little time off from comps and this year is the perfect year to do that I already have [the Olympic Games in] Paris in mind!” In taking rest, the world will wait to see what the champion does next. For now, download The Wall: Climb for Gold here Get the digital edition of Gripped for your chosen platform: The line-up for the EHF European Cup Men round 3 is complete following 18 second-leg games and six double-headers played from Friday to Sunday the title holders Nærbø IL faced a tough test in Slovenia against RK Slovenj Gradec but ultimately the Norwegian side snatched a 29:27 victory to go through While KA lost against their Austrian rivals HC Fivers WAT Margareten in a double-header last week two other teams from Iceland played their double-headers this weekend – and with mixed results IBV Vestmannaeyjar hosted Ukraine's Donbas twice and comfortably won 81:48 on aggregate Haukar had to travel to Cyprus to face Sabbianco Anorthosis Famagusta and lost both games DRAW REVIEW: AEK Athens HC have the home right in the first leg of their final against HC Alkaloid in May DRAW PREVIEW: The two finalists await draw to find out who gets the first leg home right for the EHF European Cup Men final SEMI-FINALS REVIEW: Intense clashes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norway decided the finalists for the EHF European Cup Men 2024/25 SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: Fight for the trophy heats up as HC Izvidac Runar Sandefjord and HC Alkaloid eye final seats ROUND REVIEW: AEK Athens and HC Alkaloid both took comfortable victories in the first leg of the EHF European Cup Men semi-finals SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: The first leg takes place this weekend with matches in Greece and North Macedonia REVIEW: A penalty shootout decided the last team to progress to the EHF European Cup Men 2024/25 semi-finals OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The European Handball Federation has rescheduled the EHF European Cup Men quarter-final DRAW REVIEW: The EHF European Cup Women 2024/25 final starts in Spain following to the draw conducted by the EHF on Tuesday NEWS: The second leg of EHF European Cup quarter-final is set to be rescheduled at a neutral venue View upcoming auction estimates and receive personalized email alerts for the artists you follow Slovenia is a wonderful boutique destination which includes both boutique experiences and boutique hotels that offer their guests retreat luxury and an experience they will remember for a lifetime In front of you are five dreamy Slovenian boutique hotels where you can visit at any time of the year because they will always welcome you with open arms That Slovenians are an extremely capable nation is also proven by the many tourist experiences and accommodations that further strengthen the boutique offer of our country You will find boutique hotels in all corners of Slovenia and absolutely all of them will offer you something a unique experience we have selected five boutique accommodations for you Ančka's house it offers the perfect shelter when you need a break and relaxation The four-star experience combines culinary indulgence luxuriously furnished rooms and top wellness With a comprehensive environmental renovation and a top-quality offer the house revives the spirit of the coachman's inn that once stood in the same place With the interweaving of tradition and modernity Ančka House today fully meets the high expectations and the needs of the modern tourist who is looking for a break from everyday stress Watch this video on YouTube relaxed rest and quality sleep five rooms equipped to a higher standard which bear the names of close family members of the hotel owners Each room has its own special charm and has a mini bar with glass doors that perfectly integrates into the overall image All rooms are furnished with a great deal of taste and are also stylishly finished The main goal is the well-being of the guests which is why they were used in the production natural materials such as oak combined with premium ceramics and warm colors on the walls V wellness you can take care of your inner peace as the magical ambience offers you intimacy and ensures relaxation They invite you Finnish and infrared sauna The hotel also offers an excellent 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in all rooms Luxuriously furnished rooms they don't have electronic devices and connections which would disturb the natural state of mind Wi-Fi connection is only available in the lobby and in the rooms only upon your express request Each room has a unique character with a local flair and they all impress with exceptional views of the lake mountains and the valley you will also be able to enjoy Finnish and infrared saunas experienced the beneficial powers of the four energy points by the Villa and observed nature in all its beauty You will also feel the harmony of living at top cuisine V boutique hotel DAM they connected taste which evoke strong emotions in people and create memories that artworks throughout the rooms - all this gives the DAM Hotel and Restaurant a unique opportunity to offer guests luxury and comfort a queen room with a beautiful bathtub in the middle of the room a junior deluxe suite with modern design and comfort a deluxe room and a slightly more spacious deluxe king room where you will be impressed by the relaxed atmosphere All those who are looking for an intimate atmosphere also have a private room available Restaurant with Michelin star will seduce you with original dishes and a unique wine collection where there are 300 different wines from Slovenia Green thread Herbelier sharpeners they are indigenous herbs They are collected on the slopes of ancient forests relax you on cushions and inspire you on very special adventures All of them 12 rooms and apartments in Oštarija Herbelier but some of them are also modern and come from use today You can learn about the beneficial effects of marigold or rosehip in addition to the theme that adorns the boutique hotel can also be found in the culinary creations in the restaurant under the hotel they will take care of pampering the taste buds and they prefer to brag about their tasting five- and eight-course menu with which they satisfy the tastes of even demanding customers Romantic Hotel San Martin is not merged with the surroundings and intertwined with nature only in appearance the entire construction and finesse are thought out and in accordance with eco standards Many functionalities are also solved in an environmentally friendly and respectful way The hotel has 20 thoughtfully arranged rooms with private bathrooms It is also available to hotel guests wellness with bio herbal Finnish sauna salt room and private terrace with a wonderful view The view from the hotel terrace is also something quite special the old center of Šmartne with a medieval fortress the hills of Briška dotted with vineyards and olive groves Goriška Brda is known for its exceptional wines and cuisine but it is also ideal for those who are next to you gourmet pampering they want active rest the rugged terrain of the Briška landscape offers wonderful walking and cycling routes that offer a different scenery at any time of the year Lovers of history and culture can stop in many villages in Briška churches From 2004 we research urban trends and inform our community of followers about the latest in lifestyle From year 2023 we offer content in major global languages From 2004 we research urban trends and inform our community of followers daily about the latest in lifestyle style and products that inspire with passion we offer content in major global languages The first day at the Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup was a resounding success The host Judo Club Acron Slovenj Gradec did an exceptional job in creating a memorable experiencein this charming town which is home to just over 10,000 inhabitants Participants have beenenchanted by the warm and welcoming atmosphere that permeates both the town and the sportshall It is evident that this event holds great significance for the local community On the first day Italy emerged as the leading country in the medal table Their athletes showcasedexceptional performance and talent securing the top position in the overall standings.Congratulations to Team Italy for their remarkable achievements on the opening day of thetournament We look forward to witnessing more exciting matches tomorrow in Sports Hall SlovenjGradec It is a busy weekend at the Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup 2024 three of those are from the Pan-American region: Argentina On the first day of competition the latter secured a remarkable bronze medal via Lenny SHEYNFELD in the -66kg category We had the opportunity to talk to him after the medal ceremony I wish it was a gold medal but I am proud for my first European medal None of this could be possible without my great support system including parents The Pan-American region serves with a junior tour of their own where you won silver last year at the Montreal junior cup What are the reasons for travelling to Europe and would you say that today’s bronze is more valuable I believe the level of judo here is higher than the Pan-American region and I enjoy fighting Europeans more based on stylistic matchups and yes this definitely has more value than the silver at the Pan-American cup The overall aim coming to Europe is to compete and train at the higher level I was in Italy for the green camp for a week and then in Valencia Spain for another week I will be competing in the Prague junior European cup next week I will be going home July 8th for a week and then head to Japan to train for a month My goal is just to get better every day and do what my coaches tell me Whether that’s competing or training whatever it is I will do it Lenny’s dedication speaks for itself and started by him relocating from his home town New York to go and live in Saugus Massachusetts which enables him to now train at Pedro’s Judo Center You are spoiled for choice with the likes of Jimmy Pedro How you feel about having such a credible support system It’s an honour and something that most people don’t have and I’m aware of this so I’m super grateful and thankful for them all I know the standard in the room and I want to achieve that level so it pushes me forward every single step of the way Lenny is not alone on this Europe tour as he is joined by teammates Alex SEMENENKO and Domenico TERNULLO there are other non European countries joined this event such as Kazakhstan and Lebanon the President of the European Judo Union highlighted after the event; The fact that we have athletes from different parts of the world who make significant efforts to attend our event is incredible and commendable We are very grateful for their presence and that we can welcome them to our events giving them and all European judoka the opportunity to grow This weekend we have a great number of entries and I must add that the organisation of this event is also at a high level I am very satisfied with the quality offered to all the teams taking part in this event Slovenia have been back to back with events over the past month hosting prime events as well as a very special Kodokan seminar and this time it is for the Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup Considering that this is the inaugural event there is an impressive total of 366 athletes arriving for the competition including some of the top ranked athletes at this level We’re now actually used to seeing the top two entries on the senior circuit for some time now, picking up IJF World Tour medals; Giulia CARNA and Veronica TONIOLO The host nation have 28 athletes representing the national federation of Slovenia at this event in the Sports Hall Slovenj Gradec over the 1st and 2nd of July Following the two-day competition there will be a camp for the junior athletes to continue their development and gain experience and exposure as they move from cadet to junior to senior level