"I got stuck a bit, but then got some »blessing« in the small final, after lagging behind considerably. In the end the things evened," said the snowboarder Žan Košir, the holder of the bronze medal.

Košir, the 55th Slovenian athlete with at least one Olympic medal, at first qualified for the semi-finals of parallel giant slalom, but he had to yield to superior Nevin Galmarini. In the small final he made a big mistake in the first run, but managed to compensate for it until the end of the run. He calmly concluded the second run, and won the seventh Olympic medal for Slovenia in Sochi.

After the race Košir was very happy with his achievement, but he also admitted that he would have deserved a place in the finals. He won the bronze medal, but now he wishes for more. TV Slovenia journalist Sara Oblak talked to him.

I am in the best company, in the company of the bronze hero – who simply can't believe he really made it! But Žan, you needn't worry, it is true!
Yes. I think of this as of another proof that in my life things happen gradually. This medal from the big competitions I hadn't won yet. I still haven't taken in everything, but I am very happy I succeeded.

After all the rainy days, this day started with a beautiful morning. Did you feel optimistic as well?
Well, if I take a look at the whole day: in qualifications the course was extremely icy, while during the finals it became softer for each next race, and the legs were getting weaker and weaker. I believe I will never forget this sunny day and Sochi, it will remain a part of my life.

You mentioned that the course was soft. You faced very famous competitors in the eight finals and quarterfinals – and they both said that Žan Košir is invincible on such courses.
That may be so. But still, I was not satisfied with my racing today. But it was enough for a medal. I had some though competitors – two Olympic medal holders, a multiple world cup winner. Unfortunately I made a mistake in the semi-finals… but I still think finals would have been deserved.

Galmarini eliminated Marguč as well, who said he was quite happy to have him for an opponent. What were you thinking at the time?
I was certain the fight would be difficult. Still, those who finished on the podium are a bit younger. Well, I not so much, but the new wave is coming and will take over. I knew it wouldn't be easy. I got stuck a bit, but then got some »blessing« in the small final, after lagging behind considerably. In the end the things evened.

You repaid Bussler, with interest, for eliminating Rok Flander. Did you perhaps feel, at the moment you made the mistake in the first race of the small final, that the medal was lost?
No, I knew the race was still open, and that I was capable of making up for the lost time. Perhaps the most surprising thing for me was that I was running out of strength. The only thing I was afraid of was to be unable to endure till the end. But, as you can see – I managed!

These were the ten races to bronze paradise. Which was the most important, the decisive one for your psyche?
The qualifications were the most difficult. The surface was like for snowboarders – very difficult, I was very nervous, but I proved myself to be experienced, and capable of winning a medal in a big competition, although I was teased by everybody. Another race is still waiting, and perhaps a chance for another medal. The Olympic Winter Games are not yet over for me.

You were considered the main favourite; did it worry you a lot?
No, not really. I have enough troubles with myself, let alone with the others. It was very important for me to find a way of remaining constant, and how to start the day. It was all very tactical. Definitely I wanted only to get through qualifications, and not to show my best rides. In the finals it was much easier. In the end, as I have already mentioned, something is missing. I have a medal, but I wish for more!

You will have an opportunity for that on Saturday. As we mentioned when you arrived to Sochi – snowboarders can sweeten the end of the Olympic Winter Games.
Of course, we mustn't forget Flisar and the slalom skiers. We will race once more as well. There are some more opportunities to write down the history of Slovenian sport in Sochi.

Thank you very much, and once again sincere congratulations and good luck on Saturday!
Thank you.