In Maribor, there's also Christian Czech and Tina Sutej, and the sensational Ziva Remic...

The national athletics championships will take place this Friday and Saturday in Maribor, where some of Slovenia's top athletes will compete on the track and field stadium in Poljane. Among the participants will be Kristjan Čeh, captain of the Slovenian athletics team and European champion in discus throwing, as well as Tina Šutej, one of the country’s leading long jumpers. The event promises to showcase a variety of disciplines, including discus, shot put, long jump, and middle-distance running, among others.

Kristjan Čeh has already achieved notable results this season, most recently finishing second at a meet in Jyväskylä, Finland, with a throw of 69.35 meters. This performance serves as a strong indicator of his readiness for competition in Maribor, where he will also participate in the shot put. Čeh mentioned that he usually trains in shot put once a week to break the monotony of his discus training. He noted that last year, Blaž Zupančič defeated him in the shot put, but he remains optimistic about how things might unfold this time around. His sights are set on the upcoming European Championships in Birmingham, where he hopes to be in peak condition. Despite still having preparations ahead of him, Čeh is confident about achieving over 70 meters in discus throws during each competition.

Tina Šutej will be competing in the long jump, and she expressed her excitement about competing at home. She emphasized that she feels well-prepared after securing third place at a recent meet in Ostrava. However, she acknowledged facing some challenges, particularly with issues related to her Achilles tendon. Despite these difficulties, she received confirmation from Czech doctors that she can continue jumping effectively. Šutej enjoys the warm conditions and believes they contribute positively to her performance. Her goal is clear—she wants to win.

Anita Horvat will compete in the 1500-meter race, which is somewhat unexpected given that she had previously competed in shorter distances such as 400 and 800 meters. Instead, she has opted for the 1500 meters due to her coach’s decision and because of an upcoming race in Zagreb. She explained that the longer distance better suits her current plans and goals.

Matic Ian Guček is another athlete who has been making headlines. He recently set a new national record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 48.16 seconds at a meeting in Ostrava. He is eager to test himself against domestic competitors in Maribor and aims to secure a victory there. His confidence is high, though he acknowledges that the exact result will become apparent in the coming days.

Rok Ferlan will also be participating in the 400-meter race. He expects this to be his best performance of the season and hopes to achieve a time under 46 seconds. He views Lovra Mesec Košir as his main competitor, having lost to him last year. Alongside Ferlan, Anej Čurin Prapotnik will be competing in the 100 and 200-meter races.

Niko Glojnarič has drawn attention with her performance at a recent meet in St. Pölten, where she came very close to breaking the national record in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 12.76 seconds. Her performance was just shy of the record held by Brigita Bukovec (12.59). There will also be interesting matchups between Glojnarič and other sprinters such as Anej Čurin Prapotnik, Zalo Istenič, and Lino Hribar.

Notably absent from the competition will be Klara Lukan and Neda Filipič, both of whom have typically participated in the 5000 and 10,000-meter races. However, spectators can look forward to seeing Ivan Spanović, a Serbian star, compete outside the official competition in the triple jump. She is currently considered the strongest competitor in the long jump.

The absence of certain athletes highlights the dynamic nature of athletic competitions, where injuries, personal decisions, and evolving strategies can significantly influence participation. For instance, Anita Horvat's shift to the 1500 meters instead of the 800 meters reflects strategic planning based on upcoming events and personal preferences.

As the event approaches, anticipation builds among fans and athletes alike. Competitors are preparing themselves physically and mentally, aiming to deliver their best performances. Each athlete brings unique experiences and aspirations, contributing to the overall richness of the competition. Whether it's Čeh looking to solidify his position in the discus or Šutej hoping to make a mark in the long jump, the stage is set for a series of exciting moments.

With the national championship approaching, all eyes will be on Maribor, where the combination of talent, determination, and competitive spirit is sure to create memorable moments. Athletes will be tested not only by their physical abilities but also by the pressure of performing in front of a supportive audience. As they step onto the track and field, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of their supporters, ready to give their all in pursuit of glory.