The First Slovenian Olympic Champion Leon Štukelj

It was clear from his childhood years that he was talented in sports. He began his career in the Sokol society in Novo mesto. After finishing primary and secondary school, he studied law at the University of Ljubljana. In life, he successfully balanced work, sports, and leisure time

Just as this year a new Olympian might win their first Olympic medal in Paris, Leon Štukelj won his first two gold medals in 1924 (one in the horizontal bar all-around and the other in the team all-around).

He proved to be an extraordinary athlete again in 1928 at the Olympic Games in Amsterdam, where he won one gold medal on the horizontal bar and a bronze medal in the all-around. His last Olympic performance was in Berlin in 1936, where he won a silver medal in the rings all-around.

A gymnastics element on the floor (the "Štukelj salto"), which involves a jump with a 180-degree body twist and a split in a lying position, is named after him.

His Story Still Inspires

Although he devoted himself to law after his sports career, he remained active in sports as an official and an experienced athlete. He was one of the torchbearers at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He also inspired his friends with his example. Miro Cerar Sr., a Slovenian gymnast and Olympic champion, has often emphasised that Štrukelj inspired him with his dedication and discipline. Throughout his life, even in his later years, he gladly shared his knowledge with other athletes and young people.

He strived to be a role model, encouraging young people to cultivate healthy sports habits and fair play.

He was actively involved in the work of local organisations and clubs, supporting them by attending training sessions, competitions, and other sports events. He believed that sports are not just about competition but a way of life, a love that fills you with energy and passion. He also believed that success is not only about what you achieve but how you achieve your goals and that the journey is as important as the destination.

A Man of Virtues

For him, age was just a number. Many still remember him today. He was close not only to athletes but to other people as well. He loved to stop and chat with fellow townspeople inMaribor, and even abroad, he was always noticed for his cheerfulness. The sports values he lived by and the life values he exemplified can be called "Štukelj's values."

Strength, perseverance, truthfulness, friendship, and honesty will always be the foundation of the monument to him, who was not only an Olympic champion but also a hero of Olympus.