Stanko Bloudek was born in Slovenia but grew up in Bohemia, where his father was a mountain engineer. Bloudek studied machine engineering in Praha, and built a plane during his studies. In 1907, when only 17-years-old, he founded the first sports club in the country. Excelling in varied sports, Bloudek was 1921 Slovenian discus champion and figure skating champion in 1926-27 and 1929. Using his degree in engineering he specialized in building sport facilities, including the first ski jump in Planica in 1934. Bloudek was a founding member of the Yugoslavian Olympic Committee, and served as its President from 1947-51. He was also President of the Yugoslavian Skating Federation and is considered the “father of the Slovenian winter sports.” A memorial in Ljubljana recognizes his huge contributions to Slovenian and Yugoslav sports. Bloudek became an IOC Member in January 1948 and served until his death in November 1959.
Yugoslavia