Good physical fitness alone is not enough for the development and success of young athletes. Above all, true success comes from a balance between physical and mental health, agreed experts at the event Zdravje športnikov – med znanostjo in prakso (Health of Athletes – Between Science and Practice), held on 15 October 2025 at Triglav Lab. They emphasised that maintaining athletes’ health requires a holistic approach – encompassing prevention, safety and insurance, proper recovery and psychological support. At the same time, they warned of the “silent enemies” of athletic performance, such as an imbalance between nutrition and training.
The expert discussion at Triglav Lab took place in the context of the recent World Mental Health Day, observed annually on 10 October. Comprehensive care for the health of young athletes, the experts noted, must also include care for their mental well-being.
Silent enemies of athletic performance – and how to tackle them
“Silent enemies of athletic performance, such as overtraining, relative energy deficiency, or a lack of iron and vitamin D, can impair performance and lead to serious health problems. Early detection is key to safeguarding the health, motivation, and long-term success of athletes,” emphasised Dr Petra Zupet, MD, Professor of Physical Education and specialist in sports medicine.
According to Dr Katja Ažman Juvan, MD, cardiology specialist, cardiovascular complications in young competitive athletes are rare, but can be fatal. “They mainly occur in athletes with underlying cardiovascular conditions, which we actively aim to detect through preventive screenings. By adjusting the training load and intensity, and introducing medication or other treatments when necessary, we can prevent most complications,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Dr Klemen Kobal, sports psychotherapist and performance supervisor, stressed the importance of personal growth in athletes. “Supervision in sports helps create an environment of psychological safety, where athletes not only train but also develop as individuals. Endurance sports require close collaboration among all professionals – only a well-coordinated team can protect the long-term health and performance of athletes,” he noted.
Between 3% and 11% of children and adolescents sustain injuries each year
“Physical activity and sports are essential for the development of children and adolescents, but improper or overly intense training can lead to injuries,” warned Prof. Dr Matej Drobnič, MD, specialist in orthopaedic surgery. According to him, the growing number of sports injuries among children results from their premature involvement in competitive sports – often before they have developed the basic movement patterns.
Prof. Dr Matej Drobnič: “Every year, 3–11% of children and adolescents are injured.
Because children’s skeletons are still developing, they are more susceptible to
overuse injuries in the growth plates. These can have lasting effects on the
musculoskeletal system and, consequently, on the quality of life. Understanding
the most common types of injuries, ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment, and
implementing preventive measures are essential to avoiding serious long-term
consequences.”
Health insurance as a sound investment in well-being
The Triglav Group recognises the importance of prevention and, in the event of illness or injury, the value of timely and high-quality treatment. “With supplementary health insurance, we complement the public healthcare system and provide faster access to doctors and rehabilitation. Athletes are particularly exposed to the risk of injury, which makes insurance products such as Specialisti nezgoda (Specialists Accident), Specialisti / Specialisti+ (Specialists/Specialists +) in Specialisti Kolektivno (Specialists Collective) (for sports clubs) a worthwhile investment in their health,” emphasised Dajana Muženič Abramovič, Assistant to the Executive Director at Zavarovalnica Triglav.
The Specialisti Kolektivno insurance plan can be tailored to meet the specific needs of athletes. It provides fast and efficient treatment in the event of injuries sustained during training, competition or leisure activities, as well as in cases of illness.
Taja Bodlaj, a ski jumper and ambassador for Zavarovalnica Triglav, shared her experience with Specialisti insurance and her recovery from injury: “The insurance helped me the most by arranging an appointment for surgery very quickly and ensuring everything went smoothly. It also covered a number of additional examinations. What’s great is that you can simply call, send the key medical reports, and within less than a week you receive confirmation that the surgery will be covered. To an athlete who is always ‘chasing’ the season and eager to recover as soon as possible, this means everything.”
Bodlaj encourages athletes to prioritise their health, even when the competition season feels pressing. “There will be many more opportunities to compete, but you only have one body,” she added.
Triglav collaborates with numerous renowned healthcare providers, ensuring professional and high-quality care in the event of health issues. One of the key advantages is the coordination of the entire treatment process – from the initial call to Zdravstvena točka (Healthcare Point), where qualified medical professionals offer expert advice, all the way through to rehabilitation.
