Four Slovene biathletes that live close to the competition venue are among more than 330 competitors at the IBU World Championships Biathlon 2021 Pokljuka.
The most well-known Slovene biathlete Jakov Fak, otherwise member of the Pokljuka Sports Club, built his home in Lesce. Miha Dovžan and Nika Vindišar live the closest to the venue – in Gorje. In Pokljuka, Lena Repinc from Bohinj will also compete.
Therefore, all four have an additional motivation to prove themselves on home soil, although without the support of their most loyal fans. Jakov Fak came to Pokljuka with the highest goals, but the most successful for now is Miha Dovžan, who finished Friday’s sprint in 25th place, and Sunday’s pursuit and Wednesday’s individual race in 23rd.
Athletes from surrounding areas were competing at the Pokljuka’s competitions in the past too. For example, Janez Marič from Bohinj is one of the locals with a notable success. He is the first Slovene to win a World Cup event – in 2003, he was the best in Östersund. Now, Marič, the coach of the Slovene men’s junior team, lives in Bled.
Some successful Slovene biathletes are part of the Gorje Sports Club. Among them are Matjaž Poklukar, the first Slovene at the podium of the World Cup, and his twin brother Jože Poklukar. Lucija Larisi, who was a part of the Slovene women relay team at the World Championships in Pokljuka 20 years ago, is also from Gorje. The team occupied seventh position. Lovro Žemva and his grandson Tomaž Žemva who competed at the Olympic Games are also from Gorje.
Interestingly, Eva Urevc, who is now successfully competing in cross-country skiing, also once practiced biathlon.