We awarded seven Hermi Sports Scholarships during the school year 2023/2024.
Žan Kovačič
Martial Arts (Kickboxing, Taekwondo)
Sixteen-year-old Žan Kovačič, who trains martial arts, has been achieving outstanding results this season. One of the highlights of his competition year occurred in April when he earned the title of Vice European Champion in taekwondo in the younger juniors category (up to 60 kg, ages 15-18), competing against older opponents.
This summer, he represented Slovenia at the WAKO Youth World Kickboxing Championship. This year, he also won the title of national champion in kickboxing, and in March, Žan won a bronze medal at the World Cup in kickboxing (Italian Kickboxing WAKO World Cup) which was held in Jesolo, Italy.
Congratulations, Žan! Keep up the great work!
Sven Aleksander Mernik
Cycling
Over the past few years, Slovenian professional cyclists have set high standards for their successors. This year, cyclist Sven Aleksander Mernik has experienced both significant achievements and setbacks due to crashes and injuries. After recovering from his injuries, he resumed regular training at the end of May.
His victory in the Krvavec Cycle Climb earned him the title of King of Krvavec for 2024. Sven consistently participates in national and international cycling races and has successfully completed his third year at the Gimnazija Celje Center. Sven remarked: »Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck lately, but I'm looking forward to the races to come. That's also part of cycling.« It's true that setbacks are a part of life. Sven, congratulations on your courage and perseverance!
Maja Marolt
Volleyball, Beach Volleyball
An exceptional highlight for scholarship recipient Maja Marolt this year was being named the best beach volleyball player in Slovenia for 2023. In the spring, her indoor training sessions transitioned to club competitions, national and international tournaments, and the Women's U22 European Volleyball Championship. Maja has consistently impressed us with her performances, frequently earning medals or top ten finishes throughout the season.
Another remarkable achievement is her qualification for the final round of Olympic Games qualifications. In August, Maja won the title of national champion for the third time in a row at the members' national championship in Mežica. Congratulations, Maja!
Nik Sovinc
Alpine Skiing
Even when there's no snow, skiers train hard—on dry terrain or glaciers in the high mountains. Alpine skier and Sports Scholarship holder Nik Sovinc is no exception. Last season marked a significant milestone for Nik as he made his FIS Ski Cup debut.He began competing in December with a giant slalom in Italy, continued in Austria with slalom and giant slalom, and trained and competed in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Czech Republic before finishing the season in Austria.
We recognize the immense competition in Alpine skiing and congratulate Nik on his achievements. We wish him continued success and perseverance as he advances in his career. See you again on the snow this winter!
Julija Hitrec
Cross-Country Skiing
The 2023/2024 winter season for scholarship holder Julija Hitrec, a cross-country skier, lasted from December to May. She finished 5th overall in her category nationwide and earned a spot on the U18 national team, a significant achievement that makes Julija very proud.
She successfully completed her second year at the Gimnazija Franceta Prešerna Kranj and bravely adapted to organizational changes. Throughout the summer, Julija continued her dry training—skateboarding, cycling, running—and she eagerly anticipates the winter season.
Julija wrote beautifully: »I have my eyes set on the future, which I have no doubt will be mine!« We share her confidence. Congratulations on a successful season, Julija!
Maj Pritržnik
Ski Touring, Mountain Running, Athletics
Scholarship holder and competitive ski mountaineer Maj Pritržnik is the national champion in the sprint discipline. He competes in both the Youth and adult World Cups across all disciplines: individual races, teams, sprints, uphill competitions and mixed relays. Maj has achieved outstanding results in both domestic and international competitions. Reflecting on his season, he says: »Maybe it wasn’t the season I imagined and wanted, but I gained a lot of new experience which will help me in the future.«
His goal is clear: to compete in the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Italy, where competitive ski mountaineering will debut. Maj, we have faith in you and congratulations on this year's results!
Tio Malović
Handball
It's been a breakthrough season for handball player and scholarship recipient Tio Malović, both in sport and life. Throughout the year, he has dedicated himself to rigorous training and has played in both club matches and for the Slovenian U20 national youth team.
Upon receiving the scholarship, Tio expressed his ambition to play handball professionally and compete in the highest-level competitions with the best players in the world. This spring, he signed a multi-year contract with Handball Club Celje Pivovarna Laško.
In July, at the U20 European Youth Championships in Celje, his team qualified for the World Championships, which will be held next year in Poland. Another significant milestone for Tio this year was graduating from high school. Congratulations, Tio! Keep up the great work!