Milena Usenik

Milena Usenik had two successful careers, the first as an athlete, and the second as one of the leading artists in Slovenia. Usenik competed in athletics in her early twenties, specialising in the shot put. During her career she set a national record in the event and competed at two Olympic Games. She finished in ninth place at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and 12th at the 1960 Roma Olympics. Usenik won the silver medal at the 1959 Summer Universiade, and won the gold at the 1960 Yugoslavian Athletics Championships.

After finishing her sports career Usenik studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts Ljubljana, graduating in 1965. Her work was shown at many exhibitions across Europe where she won multiple awards. Her art career spanned more than six decades, often working with her husband. Usenik’s bold and colourful artwork was recognisable with its lively brushstrokes and would earn her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

Personal Best: SP – 15.10 (1960).