SERBIAN FLAG FLIES IN FINLAND: Sombor residents win six medals at the world Nordic walking competition!

The Serbian flag flew last weekend at the world’s largest Nordic walking event in the Finnish sports center of Lahti, where six competitors from Sombor also took part. Competing against athletes from 23 countries, the amateur athletes from Sombor won as many as six world medals: two gold, three silver and one bronze. This result propelled Serbia to a high eighth place in the overall medal standings.

Slavica von Hartleb and Mirko Erdelji shone with gold medals. Von Hartleb won the 20-kilometer race in her age category, recording one of the best times in the world, while Erdelji convincingly finished first in the 10-kilometer race.

Tamara Jakšić won a silver medal in the 20-kilometer race, along with special recognition for having the best technique among all competitors in that event. Milica Lugumerski claimed silver in the 10-kilometer race, while in the men’s competition, Bogdan Nikolić won bronze in the most demanding 20-kilometer discipline.

Nevena Zelić also achieved a high placing.

“We encountered terrain like this for the first time; there wasn’t a single flat section along the entire course, and it was extremely difficult for us. Nevertheless, we left our hearts on the course and became the real surprise of the tournament. Competitors from all over the world asked to take photos with us, and everyone remembered the name of Serbia and Sombor,” the proud Sombor residents said.