The 46-year-old won the world title in the individual large hill event when competing for Yugoslavia at the 1991 World Championships in Val di Fiemme.

He then became the first-ever Slovenian flagbearer at an Olympic Opening Ceremony when the new country made its debut at Albertville 1992 before placing eighth. 

Since his retirement he has served as director of the Ski Association of Slovenia.

"I thank you for your trust," Petek said following his appointment.

Slovenia won their first three Winter Olympic medals on their second appearance at Lillehammer 1994.

All three were Alpine skiing bronzes: for Alenka Dovžan in the women's combined and for Jure Kosir and Katja Koren in the respective men's and women's slalom events.

Their first two gold medals each came at Sochi 2014, also in Alpine skiing, thanks to Tina Maze in the downhill and giant slalom events.

Maze announced her retirement last year and competed in her last race in January.

The European nation will be trying to better their best-ever Winter Olympic haul obtained in the Russian coastal resort when they compete here. 

Ski jumper Peter Prevc claimed normal hill silver along with parallel slalom snowboarder Zan Korir.

Prevc and Kosir also claimed bronzes in their respective large hill and parallel giant slalom events.

Third place finishes were also obtained by Teja Gregorin in the women's pursuit biathlon and by Vesna Fabjan in the women's sprint cross-country skiing.