By: Dr Andreja Valič Zver
The Slovenian political landscape in the first days of October has been simmering with heated battles over important issues weighing on Slovenian taxpayers. Citizens have already expressed their views on these highly relevant questions in the recent referendums, but a marathon of important decisions still lies ahead. Everything possible must be done to restore normality to the country on the sunny side of the Alps, which has recently shone not only like a comet on the international political stage, but also in the world of sport.
Sports metaphors are not accidental here. I want them to remind us of the superbly organised European Road Cycling Championships that took place in Gorenjska a few days ago under beautiful weather and in front of fantastic spectators. In this regard, special mention should be made of traditionally patriotic Šenčur and the famous Možjanca climb, which proved decisive in determining the heroes of the championship. As a descendant of a proud mother from Šenčur and a native of Preddvor, the scenes of epic contests, enthusiastic crowds, fluttering Slovenian flags, and breathtaking natural surroundings left a particularly deep impression on me.
Strmol Castle, Možjanca, and the dark forests beneath it, where archaeologists discovered a Hallstatt burial site, were also the setting of the tragic story of the Strmol estate owners, Ksenija and Rado. Slovenia’s distinguished author Drago Jančar masterfully portrayed this tragedy in his novel I Saw Her That Night. It is only right that this should also be remembered.
But in today’s column I want to draw attention to something else: respect for older generations, or, as some might say, those who have already been written off. If we begin with sport, it is true that after the enormous successes of recent years, many of us expected our fellow Gorenjčan, the extraordinary cyclist Tadej Pogačar of Komenda, to climb to the top of the European podium. But it was not meant to be. Once again, the king of Slovenian hearts became Primož Roglič, a hero of Monte Lussari whom many had already begun to write off, despite his victories not only in sport but in life itself. His humility, maturity, calmness, perseverance, and ability to rise after every fall are qualities that reflect the Slovenian character at its best. It is thanks to people like Primož that we have survived the many upheavals of history. Hats off to you, champion! Whatever Roglič decides regarding the continuation of his sporting career at the age of 37, he deserves our utmost respect and gratitude for everything he has accomplished, not only for himself but also for his family, the sporting community, and the Slovenian nation.
In recent days, battles have also been unfolding on the football pitch. I am thinking of the unsporting treatment that part of the Portuguese football establishment has shown Cristiano Ronaldo, contrasted with the respectful international farewell given to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. They are separated not only by oceans but also by radically different attitudes from the people for whom they gave everything on the field. There is a well-known saying that football is essentially a political struggle transferred onto grass and placed on the shoulders of eleven players, the substitutes’ bench, their coach, and the many people behind the scenes who influence victory or defeat. Every World Cup and European Championship is therefore not merely a contest between teams but, in a broader sense, a clash of civilisations and, if you will, nations. The passion of supporters only reinforces this idea.
On the political stage, too, we encounter many Rogličes, Ronaldos, and Messis, as well as ruthless struggles. The consequences are more serious than those found in sport, but many of the lessons are universal.
The stories of recent days teach us that we should not casually discard heroes and generations who sacrificed, struggled, and bled on various battlefields, whether political or otherwise. As the legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson once said while steadfastly defending Ronaldo even against critics within his own ranks, older athletes deserve respect and dignity because of the sacrifices they have made and the achievements of their lives.
The same should apply to the “breed” of politicians. It is true that younger generations are coming forward, but one fact must never be overlooked: they will succeed only if they stand on a sufficiently strong foundation. And that foundation is respect for those who came before them.