The young athlete showed both gold collars

A 16-year-old Slovenian athlete named Živa Remić has made history by winning gold in the 800 meters at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Her victory came after a grueling five-hour journey from the competition venue to Ljubljana, Slovenia, where she and her coach, Gregor Grad, arrived visibly exhausted yet filled with pride. The young runner’s achievement marks a milestone in her athletic career, as she became the first Slovenian woman to win gold in this event since 2004. The race itself was tightly contested, with Remić maintaining composure under intense pressure. In the final moments, she surged ahead to claim the top spot, securing her place among the world's elite junior athletes. The emotional aftermath of the win was evident as both Remić and her coach struggled to process their success. Grad initially found it difficult to form words, overwhelmed by the rapid pace of events. It was Remić’s teammate from AK Olimpija who stepped in, taking control of the microphone to speak on behalf of the pair. Speaking to a crowd gathered in the Ljubljana Odysseus hall, Remić reflected on the long journey that led to this moment. She noted that the past five years of training had been demanding, marked by challenges and sacrifices. “It was a lot of pressure,” she admitted, acknowledging the public scrutiny they faced. Despite these hurdles, the duo remained focused on key goals: winning at the European Championships in Rieti and achieving success at the U20 Worlds in Eugene. The race in Eugene proved to be a relief, a culmination of hard work that finally paid off. Grad, though still caught up in the emotions of the day, quickly regained his composure to address concerns about Remić’s workload. He emphasized that her training regimen was carefully structured within the limits of her age and ability. “She trains within the parameters of her age,” he explained, highlighting that her focus was more on developing talent than pushing beyond physical limits. He praised her natural abilities, noting that while nature had gifted her exceptional potential, her dedication, discipline, and respect for the sport were equally impressive. Remić herself expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey. She mentioned plans to take some time off before the new school year, including spending time with friends and a family vacation at the seaside. She will soon turn 17, marking another step forward in her evolving career. For now, she looks forward to resting and preparing for future competitions, confident in the foundation she has built through years of effort and perseverance. As the celebrations continue in Slovenia, the nation watches with pride as its youngest champion steps onto the global stage. Remić’s triumph is not just a personal victory but a reflection of the dedication and resilience that define her journey. With a bright future ahead, she stands ready to face whatever comes next.