Vinko Bogataj was born on March 4, 1948 in the town of Brezovica pri Kropi in the country of Slovenia located in Central Europe. Throughout his life, Vinko has been balancing his love of painting with his other interests, namely sports at first, and then his professional and family life. He sacrified his childhood dreams of attending the School of Fine Arts in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, in order to pursue his career as a top-level sportsman.

He was a member of the Yugoslav national ski jumping team for many years. In March of 1971, one of his unsuccesful ski jumps in Oberstdorf, Germany gained Vinko unexpected recognition in the United States where he represented 'The Agony of Defeat' in the opening montage of ABC Wide World of Sports for many years.

Vinko has been invited by ABC to attend a number of network anniversary events in the United States over the years.  He considers the moment when Mohammed Ali asked him for his autograph when they shared a table at one of ABC's anniversary celebrations as one of the highlights of his illustrious life.

Vinko has always been an avid painter and has continuously furthered his painting education and technique under several recognized masters and mentors. He has attended many painting colonies and regularly takes part in ex tempore painting contests in Slovenia and abroad.

Since his retirement in 2005, Vinko has dedicated most of his time to painting. Most recently, one of Vinko's works has been included among the top ten finalists for this year's Golden Palette (Zlata Paleta) Award, the highest recognition for Slovenian painters awarded by the Federation of Painting Associations of Slovenia, which will be awarded in October. Vinko received the Golden Palette for the first time in 2002.