Associate Prof. Dr Janez Vodičar from the UL Faculty of Sport receives the Bloudek Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest national award for sport
Rok Vertič/UL FŠ
Date of publication:
The remarkable work of Associate Prof. Dr Janez Vodičar from the Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, is characterised by perseverance, innovation, research, development, and competitive success. His name is firmly embedded in the history of Slovenian and international sport, having made significant contributions not only to biathlon but also to other disciplines, where his expertise played a key role in their advancement.
Development of biathlon and organisation of sports programmes
Associate Prof. Dr Janez Vodičar has been active in sport for more than 57 years – first as an athlete himself and later as a driving force behind the development of sports in Slovenia and beyond. In the 1980s, he was one of the key figures in establishing a programme for the development of biathlon in Slovenia, which was then still in its infancy. His knowledge and organisational skills helped position Slovenia as a host of the Biathlon World Cup in Pokljuka, elevating the international recognition of this sport.
As a coach and mentor, he has played a pivotal role in shaping numerous athletes. He also chaired the Cross-country Skiing Committee during the period when Vesna Fabjan won bronze at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. His vision and approach to work demonstrate that success is not a coincidence but the result of systematic effort and years of investment in younger generations of athletes.
International engagement and sports organisation
His contributions extend beyond coaching. As a technical delegate of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), he played a crucial role in shaping regulations and organisational standards in biathlon, helping to take international competitions to the next level. His expertise was instrumental in staging major biathlon events and improving television broadcasts, bringing the sport to a wider audience.
Early in his career, he was also involved in the development of parasports. He led the national wheelchair basketball team and actively contributed to creating conditions for the advancement of parasports, where he remains engaged to this day. Through this work, he has demonstrated that sport is essential for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Contribution to the development of Slovenian sport
Dr Vodičar has not only fostered competitive sport but has also shaped the broader organisational and strategic framework of the Slovenian sports system. He was one of the key initiators behind the establishment of the Slovenian Armed Forces Sports Unit and served as its first commander, helping to provide Slovenian elite athletes with better training conditions and long-term career opportunities. He was also involved in creating a system for integrating athletes into civil service, which today ensures stability for many of our nation's top athletes.
As Head of the Institute of Sport at the Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, he continues to drive sports development through research and education. His ability to merge theoretical research with practical applications has contributed to the advancement of numerous sports practices and strategies.
Bloudek Award for lifetime achievement in sport
The Bloudek Award for lifetime achievement in sport awarded to Associate Prof. Dr Janez Vodičar is a recognition of his decades of contribution, which have had a profound impact on Slovenian and international sport. His dedication to the development of biathlon, sports programmes, and mentoring young athletes has left an enduring legacy. His story is a testament to the fact that commitment and vision are the cornerstones of progress in sport.
We extend our congratulations to Dr Janez Vodičar on this well-deserved honour and his invaluable contribution to the development of sport!