Bronze medal of the Ninth Olympic Games in Amsterdam 1928

Boris Gregorka (1906-2001), a successful gymnast, Slovene pole-vaulting record holder and the most successful Slovene gymnastic trainer, took part in the Ninth Olympic Games in Amsterdam and, together with other members of the Yugoslav gymnastic team, won a bronze medal in free exercises. The gymnastic team also included Leon Štukelj, Josip Primožič, Anton Malej, Janez Porenta, Stane Derganc, Edvard Antosiewicz and Dragutin Ciotti. The exceptional generation of Slovene gymnasts of the Sokol movement, who formed the core of the Yugoslav team in the inter-war years, made gymnastic the most successful Slovene sport, winning medals at the foremost sporting events. Gregorka qualified for the Olympic team at a selection competition held from 27 to 29 June 1927, within the framework of the Fifth Regional Sokol Rally in Ljubljana. Dr Viktor Murnik headed the final arrangements in Narodni dom. He prepared an exceptional team programme, with an emphasis on rhythmic exercises entitled ‘Yugoslav Epic’. The team was accompanied during their Olympic appearances by the noted Slovene pianist Marijan Lipovšek. The gymnastic team event consisted of free exercises, one compulsory and one optional exercise on the parallel bars, horizontal bar, rings and pommel horse as well as a compulsory and optional vault. Because of shortage of money, the team travelled home immediately after their performance and received their medals by post only after the end of the Games. The inscription on the obverse of the medal reads: IXE / OLYMPIADE / AMSTERDAM/ 1928. A huge crowd of people were waiting at the railway station for the team on their return to Ljubljana on 14 August 1928, and accompanied them in procession to Narodni dom.