Slovenian Canoe Slalom paddler Simon Brus, a Gold medallist at the first ever YOG in Singapore and current Men’s K1 junior European Champion, was recognised in Sochi as one of the best young European Sportsmen.

This recognition and award came at the 40th General Assembly of the National Olympic Committees of Europe (EOC).

The 18-year old Simon Brus from Celje became centre of attention among those who follow canoeing, and has been recognized as one the biggest hopes of slalom racing based on his successes in the past two seasons. Brus advanced through to the final 20 (of the Best Young European Sportsmen category) and at the end was ranked the fifth.

In the Russian city of Sochi, IOC President Jacques Rogge IOC and EOC President Patrick Hickey, awarded Polish cyclist Tobiasz Lis the best young sportsman of the year. He received the prize and dedicated it to Piotr Nurowski, the onetime president of the Polish NOC and member of the EOC Executive Committee who tragically died in a plane crash last year. Biathlete Laura Dalhmeier (GER), diver Tom Daley (GBR), judoka Brigita Matić (CRO) and Spanish athlete Didac Salas were also among the best sportsmen.