Slovenian competitors had another exceptional season, in which they won medals at every major international competition they took part in this year, which has never happened before. Seniors, U23 and juniors were amazing, both on flat- and wildwaters. In the season 2022, as many as 33 different male and female competitors won medals at the European and World Championships and World Cup races in all three age groups and three disciplines (sprint, slalom and wildwater).
Therefore, the selection of the best was again anything but easy. In the category of female paddlers, the title of athlete of the year was won by canoe sprinter Anja Osterman. The 29-year-old won a silver medal in the 200 meters event at the senior world championships in Canada, and she was second in the 200 meters and third in the 500 meters events of the European Championships in Munich. In addition, she won two more gold medals and a silver medal in World Cup, as well as first place in the Super Cup race.
In the men's competition, Benjamin Savšek retained the title of Slovenian paddler of the year. Last year he earned the award with the title of Olympic champion, and this year with the gold medal at the European Championship in Liptovský Mikuláš and the team gold medal at the World Championship in Augsburg. In addition, he stood on the podium of the World Cup three more times this year.
At the same time, Anja became the best competitor on flatwater, while Beni became the best competitor on wild water.
The best female wildwater competitor is Eva Terčelj, Jošt Zakrajšek became the best malecompetitor on flatwater. The best male junior of the year is Žiga Lin Hočevar, who in his first season, when he was able to participate in the junior competition, won two gold and two silver medals at the European Championships in the Czech Republic, as well as a bronze in the team event of U23 World Championships. Naja Pinterič was named best female junior of the year and Simon Hočevar is the best coach of the year.
WINNERS 2022
Athlete of the Year and the best female flatwater competitor: Anja Osterman
Athlete of the Year and the best male wildwater competitor: Benjamin Savšek
The best male flatwater competitor: Jošt Zakrajšek
The best female wildwater competitor: Eva Terčelj
Best male junior: Žiga Lin Hočevar
Best female junior: Naja Pinterič
The best coach: Simon Hočevar
Source: https://kajak-zveza.si/novice/anja-osterman-in-benjamin-savsek-najboljsa-sportnika-kzs-v-sezoni-2022/
5.12.2022
