"You have thrilled all sports fans in Slovenia and showed once again that you are part of the global sport elite," President Danilo Türk said in a congratulatory cable.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attributes her success to years of training with which she has achieved "a balance of physical power and mental calm". He said Slovenia was proud of her.

Parliamentary Speaker Gregor Virant said Žolnir had "taken Slovenia's name global" and could serve as a role model, especially for the youth, with her "heart and fighting spirit".

Education and Sport Minister Žiga Turk meanwhile labelled her success "an historical achievement for Slovenian judo".