Date: 5. March 2026
Time to read: 2 min
At the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Slovenia will be represented by a small but determined team: alpine skier Jernej Slivnik and cross-country skier Tabea Dolžan.
Slovenia has previously had only one representative at the Winter Paralympic Games, but this year will mark a historic milestone: for the first time, a Slovenian female athlete will compete at the Winter Games. Both athletes have already tested the competition venues, and Tabea Dolžan will carry the Slovenian flag at the opening ceremony.
For Tabea Dolžan, these will be her first Paralympic Games. In recent days, the para cross-country skier trained in Planica, where she enjoyed excellent preparation conditions. She is heading to the Games without bold predictions but with a clear goal: to show what she and her team have been building over the past years. She will compete in the sprint event on 10 March and in the 10-kilometre classical race on 11 March.
-
Tabea Dolžan is the first time paralympian.
-
Tabea Dolžan will carry the Slovenian flag at the opening ceremony.
Alpine skier Jernej Slivnik is heading to his third Paralympic Games. After several demanding seasons, he has regained strong form and confidence this year. His aim is to stay relaxed and deliver his best runs. He will compete in the super-G on 9 March and the giant slalom on 13 March. He prepared for the Games in Kranjska Gora, where he had excellent training conditions.
-
Jernej Slivnik will compete in the super-G and giant slalom.
Damijan Lazar, President of the Slovenian Association for Sports of the Disabled and the Slovenian Paralympic Committee, emphasised before the team’s departure for Italy that it is important the athletes are healthy, well prepared and motivated, and that the team has ensured all the necessary conditions for top-level performances.
Pride and inspiration
Head of delegation Roman Jakič will ensure smooth logistics between Cortina and Predazzo. The alpine team will be based in Cortina, while the cross-country team will stay in Predazzo. The Slovenian delegation is slightly larger this year, with coaches and medical support accompanying the athletes.
A special and moving moment during the team presentation in Ljubljana was the handover of symbolic gifts and letters of encouragement to the two Paralympians, prepared by children from the URI Soča Rehabilitation Institute.
-
Tabea Dolžan and Jernej Slivnik show that sport goes beyond limits.
The Paralympic Games will begin on 6 March with the opening ceremony in Verona. The key competition days for the Slovenian athletes will be between 9 and 13 March.
Although the Slovenian team is small, it carries a powerful story. With determination, courage and dedication, Jernej Slivnik and Tabea Dolžan show that sport goes beyond limits – and that Slovenia competes at the world’s biggest events with heart.
Photo: Sportida
