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Tine Urnaut and Alen Pajenk have etched their names in volleyball history, becoming the first men to reach 10 appearances at the CEV EuroVolley Championship. Their incredible milestone was achieved as Slovenia opened their campaign at the CEV Enel EuroVolley 2026 Men, marking a testament to their enduring careers and dedication.
A Historic Milestone for Slovenian Volleyball Icons
The journey for Urnaut and Pajenk on the EuroVolley stage began together in 2007. Since then, they have been instrumental in Slovenia’s remarkable ascent in the international volleyball scene. Competing in their 10th consecutive European Championship, and 11th overall, the duo has been a constant presence, driving the team’s success.
This remarkable longevity is not just about participation; it’s about sustained excellence. Slovenia has become a powerhouse, consistently challenging for medals. Their recent bronze in the VNL was their first global-level medal, adding another significant achievement to their storied careers.
Reflecting on a Decade of Championship Play
For both the 40-year-old Pajenk and the 38-year-old Urnaut, the record-setting appearance wasn’t something they had meticulously tracked. “I have to be honest, we didn’t really think about that,” Urnaut admitted. “Just before we arrived, a journalist told us that the number was so high — that it’s our 10th EuroVolley. But, you know, we are just happy to be here, that we can still play and give everything for our national team and try to get even better.”
Pajenk echoed the sentiment, expressing surprise and hope for the current tournament. “I wasn’t counting, but I’m very happy about this achievement, and I hope this one will be the best one yet,” he stated.
The idea of reaching such a high number of appearances was almost unimaginable at the start of their careers. “When we started, all these older players were finishing at around 34 years old, so it was not really on my mind,” Pajenk explained. “But as we went on, we felt good. The young players who come in give us – and still give us – a boost to play, to feel younger and to just go for more and more.”
The Significance of Shared Success and Memorable Moments
Having shared such a long and successful path, the achievement holds special meaning for Urnaut. “It’s something special, for sure, because it’s a very, very long journey. I’m happy that we made it this far, that we are healthy, that we can play Volleyball, and this is very special,” he said. “I’m not looking – or we are not looking – at what we have achieved so far. A few days ago, I saw a post with some stats. I’m very happy about this, but I just want our team to play the best possible Volleyball and to play even better than we can.”
Slovenia’s rise to consistent medal contenders began with their first EuroVolley medal in 2015. Pajenk looks back fondly on that breakthrough moment: “I would say the first medal, for sure. Because it was the first, of course, and this was our step to grow, a big step for us as a nation – to play better Volleyball and compete at a very high level.” He recalled a pivotal moment under coach Andrea Giani, where a stern team talk after a poor performance served as a catalyst for their future success.
Urnaut cherishes the unique stories behind each medal. He highlighted the 2023 bronze, where teammate Dejan Vinčić joined the team just before the medal match after a personal emergency, showcasing the team’s resilience and brotherhood.
Looking Ahead: The Quest for Gold
With multiple silver and bronze medals already in their collection, the ultimate prize – a EuroVolley gold medal – remains elusive. The recent VNL success has undoubtedly fueled their ambition, proving they can compete and win at the highest level globally.
As Urnaut and Pajenk embark on their 10th EuroVolley, their focus is clear: to push for that elusive gold and continue to inspire a new generation of Slovenian volleyball players. Their record is a testament to their dedication, and their ambition ensures they are far from finished.
Source: CEV
