On 30th of July 2024 in Paris, the amazing Koprčanka Andreja Leski won the gold Olympic medal for Slovenia in Judo in the -63 kg category.
This amazing young women who besides achieving great results in the 1st class sports also wants to “advocate for gender equality in sports and to be a voice for women and girls who are still fighting for their rightful place”. Andreja responded kindly to our request for the interview and here is what she shared with us. We hope you too enjoy reading the lines below and getting to know one of the most inspiring girls from Slovenia.
What does this gold medal mean to you, your family, your city Koper?
This gold medal is so much more than a personal achievement. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and support from my family and those closest to me. My family has been my foundation—they’ve seen every moment of joy and frustration, and this medal is as much theirs as it is mine. As for Koper, it feels incredible to bring this victory home. Growing up there, I was always surrounded by people who encouraged me to dream big, and I hope this achievement gives something back to the community that has supported me from day one. It’s a proud moment for all of us. It is also first gold medal for Koper ever, so it means I am writing a history.
Can you describe the feelings of a young woman like yourself who represents her country in the world?
It’s surreal, to be honest. There’s such a deep sense of pride when you carry your country’s flag on the world stage. As a young woman, it’s also empowering. It feels like I’m part of something bigger, not just representing myself, but standing for all the young athletes, especially women, who dream of achieving great things. My role and achievement also carries a sense of responsibility. It’s not just about winning a medal—it’s about challenging the stereotypes and barriers that women in sports, and in society, face every day. We’ve made progress, but there are still systemic inequalities that we must address. I’m not just representing Slovenia—I’m standing for every woman who has been told she’s not strong enough, not fast enough, not worthy enough. It’s empowering to know that my achievements can inspire other girls to believe in themselves, to know that their place is on every podium, in every arena, and in any field they choose to pursue. I hope to break down those barriers further, so the next generation of young women won’t have to question their worth or their ability to succeed. We belong here. And we’re just getting started.
How were you received in the city squares of Ljubljana and Koper after coming back from the Olympic Games? How do you feel now that the hype has quieted down?
The receptions in both Ljubljana and Koper were overwhelming. I couldn’t believe how many people came out to celebrate. I felt this deep connection with everyone there, as though we all shared the victory. The energy was so positive and joyful—it was something I’ll never forget. Now that the noise has quieted, I’ve had some time to reflect and just be with my loved ones. I’m incredibly grateful for everything, and I feel at peace.
To whom do you dedicate your victories and medals?
There are so many people who deserve to be a part of this victory—my family first and foremost, my coaches, and all those who have believed in me, even when I had doubts myself. But I also dedicate this to everyone who dreams big but might not have the resources or opportunities right away. I want them to know that perseverance pays off, and nothing is impossible.
Did you find any time to enjoy Paris?
I did! Although the schedule was intense, I made sure to take in some of the beauty of Paris. The city has a unique energy, especially during the Olympics. It felt magical to walk around, knowing I was part of such an iconic event. The little moments of sightseeing were refreshing and a nice break from the competition.
What kind of plans do you have for your sporting career?
Right now, I’m taking it one step at a time. Winning Olympic gold is the highest achievement in sports, and I’m incredibly proud of reaching that goal. It’s something I dreamed of my entire life, but now that I’ve achieved it, I feel a deep desire to challenge myself beyond the sporting world as well. I’ve always believed that we should never limit ourselves to one path. I will continue to compete and push my boundaries as an athlete, I’m also eager to explore new opportunities—whether that’s in education, activism, or even mentoring younger athletes. I want to use my platform to advocate for gender equality in sports, to be a voice for women and girls who are still fighting for their rightful place. I think it’s important to evolve, to constantly challenge yourself in different ways. Winning gold was a dream, but now I’m motivated by the idea of making an impact in other fields, too—wherever I can bring about positive change, especially for women. There’s so much more I want to accomplish beyond track or field.