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Author: Carmen

The Final Countdown: Five Days to EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Start

Written by Carmen on . Posted in Bakuriani 2025, EOC, EYOF, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on The Final Countdown: Five Days to EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Start

The stunning Georgian ski resort of Bakuriani is ready to welcome Europe’s finest young athletes as it plays host to the 2025 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). Taking place from the 9th to the 16th of February, this prestigious event will see approximately 2,000 competitors, aged 14 to 18, from 48 European nations, competing across eight thrilling winter sports disciplines.

The festival’s sporting events will be staged across three key locations:

  • Bakuriani – The heart of the festival, hosting alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.
  • Tbilisi – Ice hockey will be played at the Leader Arena in the Georgian capital.
  • Batumi – The Black Sea coastal city will showcase figure skating and short track speed skating at the newly developed Batumi Ice Arena.

The Girl’s Ice Hockey competition is going to be the first event to go live at the Festival, with preliminary games starting next Thursday, February 6th, in Tbilisi. Sweden, Finland, and Czechia are expected to be strong contenders for medals in the Girl’s competition. Meanwhile, Switzerland, Czechia, and Latvia are the teams to keep an eye on in the Boy’s event.

Athletes to Watch

Several promising young athletes are set to compete in Bakuriani 2025, each bringing remarkable talent and ambition to the event. For example, Zak Carrik Smiz (GBR), an exceptional apline skier. At the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, Zak made history by becoming the first British skier to win a gold medal in an Olympic alpine skiing event. He achieved this milestone in the men’s combined event, where, after placing 27th in the Super-G, he delivered an extraordinary slalom run that propelled him to the top of the podium. In addition to his success in the combined event, Zak further showcased his talent by securing another gold medal in the men’s slalom event at the same Games, solidifying his position as one of Britain’s most promising young skiers.

A Stage for Future Champions

As the opening ceremony draws near, excitement is building among athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts alike. The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 promises not only to be a spectacular showcase of young talent but also a demonstration of Georgia’s rising stature in global winter sports.

Stay tuned for an unforgettable week of athletic excellence, camaraderie, and inspiring moments in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.

The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships: A Showcase of Talent in Tallin

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, Sin categoría, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships: A Showcase of Talent in Tallin

The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships are set to take place in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, from January 28 to February 2, 2025. This marks a historic moment for the city, as it hosts the prestigious competition for the first time ever. The event will be held at the Tondiraba Ice Hall, a state-of-the-art venue known for its modern facilities and exceptional acoustics.

As the skating community gathers in Tallinn, excitement is building both among athletes and fans alike. The championship will showcase some of the world’s best figure skaters, competing for coveted medals in multiple categories, including Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance.

Tallinn’s selection as the host city for this year’s championships is a significant milestone for Estonian figure skating. The city is buzzing with excitement, as fans are eager to witness top-tier performances from the world’s leading athletes. The Tondiraba Ice Hall, which will serve as the event’s main venue, offers a perfect backdrop for the competition, providing an atmosphere that is both intimate and thrilling.

Tallinn is hosting the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships for the second time. The city previously hosted the event in 2015, marking the first time Estonia had the honor of welcoming the European Championships.

Exciting Competitions Ahead

As the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships get underway, the competition promises to be fierce. Top skaters from all over Europe are set to compete for gold, silver, and bronze in their respective categories. The Men’s and Women’s Singles events are expected to be particularly thrilling, with fierce rivalries between established stars and rising talents.

The Pairs competition will showcase stunning synchrony, athleticism, and grace, as duos from across Europe demonstrate their technical skill and artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Ice Dance competition will be a true display of artistry, with couples bringing their passion and creativity to the ice in a highly anticipated battle for the gold medal.

A Platform for Future Olympic Stars

Beyond the European titles up for grabs, the 2025 Championships are also a key opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. For many skaters, this competition serves as a critical stepping stone on their journey toward Olympic glory. The European Championships are known for providing a platform for skaters to prove their readiness for the highest level of international competition.

As the skaters take to the ice in Tallinn, the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships promise to be a celebration of the sport, bringing together fans and athletes in an unforgettable showcase of talent and artistry.

Photo:OIS/IOC

Ilona Plecháčová: Biathlon’s Brightest Young Talent

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, EYOF, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on Ilona Plecháčová: Biathlon’s Brightest Young Talent

Ilona Plecháčová, born on 26 December 2006, is promptly emerging as one of the brightest talents in the world of biathlon. Representing the Czech Republic, this young athlete has already carved out an impressive career, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and competitors alike. At just 18 years old, Plecháčová exemplifies determination, precision, and a knack for excelling under pressure.

Growing up in the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic, Ilona was introduced to winter sports at an early age. Her initial foray into skiing and shooting soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion for biathlon.

2024 marked a milestone year in Plecháčová’s career. During the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, she made history by winning the first biathlon gold medal for the Czech Republic. Competing in the individual event, her flawless shooting and consistent skiing ensured her place at the top of the podium. This historic victory not only highlighted her talent but also underscored her potential to dominate in senior-level competitions.

Her success continued later that year at the Junior Cup held in Jakuszyce, Poland. Competing in the women’s sprint event, Plecháčová secured a commanding victory, showcasing her impeccable shooting accuracy and tactical prowess on the course. With a perfect score in shooting, she demonstrated the mental fortitude and focus required to excel in this demanding sport.

Plecháčová’s performance statistics further solidify her reputation as a formidable athlete. According to data from the International Biathlon Union (IBU), she achieved a remarkable 96% accuracy in prone shooting and 70% in standing shooting during the 2024/2025 season. Her skiing efficiency, averaging +9.6 seconds per kilometre compared to the fastest competitors, reflects her technical expertise and physical conditioning.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Ilona Plecháčová is quickly becoming a role model for young athletes in her home country and beyond. Her dedication to the sport, combined with her humility and work ethic, resonates with fans and aspiring biathletes. By breaking records and overcoming challenges, she inspires others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and commitment.

Looking Ahead

As she transitions from youth to senior competitions, Plecháčová’s future in biathlon looks exceptionally promising. With the 2025 World Championships and future Olympic Games on the horizon, she stands poised to further cement her legacy. The biathlon community eagerly awaits her next performances, anticipating more record-breaking moments from this extraordinary athlete.

Ilona Plecháčová is not just a rising star in biathlon; she is a testament to what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and unyielding determination. As she continues her journey, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely, cheering her on every step of the way.

Croatia, Denmark, and Norway to host the 2025 Men´s Handball World Championship

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From 14 January to 2 February, the world’s 32 best men’s handball teams will compete to claim the 2025 World Championship. For the first time, this prestigious tournament will be hosted by three countries, with matches taking place across five venues in five host cities: Zagreb, Varaždin, Poreč, Bærum, and Herning. Denmark, not only a host nation but also the reigning triple world champion, enters the competition aiming to defend their titles from 2019, 2021, and 2023.

In the preliminary round, the 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four. The top three teams from each group will progress to the main round, while those that do not qualify will compete in the President’s Cup to determine positions 25 to 32. During the main round, the remaining teams will be organised into four groups of six. The top two teams from each group in the main round will qualify for the quarter-finals. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for 2 February in Oslo, Norway.

After the opening days of the tournament, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Egypt are leading their respective groups. However, two groups have yet to play their first matches.

Guinea made history on Wednesday, 15 January, as they played their first-ever match in an IHF Men’s World Championship. The favourites for the title include Denmark, who are seeking their fourth consecutive championship, as well as France, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Photo credit: IHF.

Flora Tabanelli: the Italian promise of freestyle skiing

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The leader of the Women´s Park & Pipe overall standings in the World Cup this season is Flora Tabanelli, an Italian freestyle skier who has rapidly risen to prominence in the disciplines of Slopestyle and Big Air. Born in Bologna in 2007, Flora moved to Trentino at a young age to start pursuing a snowboarding career before focusing on freestyle skiing. She receives mentorship and support from Italian sports legend Alberto Tomba.

In January 2025, Flora claimed her first World Cup victory by winning the Women´s Freeski Big Air event in Kreischberg, Austria. This victory was preceded by a second-place finish in the Freeski Big Air World Cup in Klagenfurt, Austria, just one week earlier, earning enough points to top the overall standings in the competition.

In 2023, at the Junior World Championships in Cardrona, New Zealand, Flora won gold in Big Air and Silver in Slopestyle. Later that year, she achieved her firs World Cup podium, finishing third in the Big Air event in Beijing. At the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, Flora returned home with tow gold medals in both Slopestyle and Big Air, further demonstrating her potential as a leading talent in freestyle skiing.

As Flora continues to make history, her focus remains firmly on the road ahead. With Milano-Cortina 2026 on the horizon, the world eagerly awaits to see what she will achieve next in her already outstanding career.

OISPHOTO/IOC

EUROFOOTBALL FEVER: PARIS 2024 UNVEIL WOMEN’S AND MEN’S FOOTBALL GROUPS

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The anticipation for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 is reaching a fever pitch as the groups for the women’s and men’s football competitions have been officially announced. European teams are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, competition, and the unyielding spirit of sport.

European Dominance Takes Centre Stage

In the women’s football tournament, Europe’s finest will be vying for glory across three fiercely contested groups. With powerhouses like France, Germany and Spain leading the charge, the stage is set for an electrifying display of skill and determination. The presence of European teams in each group underscores the continent’s dominance in women’s football and sets the scene for unforgettable clashes on the field.

Women’s Football Pools Unveiled

Group A sees hosts France facing off against formidable opponents Colombia, Canada and New Zealand, promising intense matchups from the get-go. Meanwhile, Group B features heavyweights USA and Germany, alongside Australia and a qualifier from Africa, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Group C promises no less excitement, with Spain, Japan, Brazil and a qualifier from Africa locking horns in a battle for supremacy.

Men’s Football: A European Showdown

The men’s football tournament offers equal excitement, with European teams poised to make their mark on the global stage. With star-studded lineups and fierce rivalries, every match promises to be a spectacle for football enthusiasts worldwide.

Men’s Football Pools Revealed

In Group A, hosts France will face stiff competition from the USA, New Zealand and the qualifier from the AFC-CAF playoff. Group B sees Argentina and Ukraine go head-to-head with Morocco and another qualifier from Africa, ensuring thrilling encounters from start to finish. Group C and D feature equally compelling matchups, with European powerhouses Spain among the teams battling it out for Olympic glory.

A Celebration of European Football

As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, the excitement surrounding the football competitions is palpable. With European teams poised to showcase their talent and determination on the world stage, fans can expect nothing short of an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling matches, unexpected twists and moments of pure sporting brilliance.

Stay Tuned for More Eurofootball Action

From the opening kick-off to the final whistle, SportEurope will be your ultimate destination for all the latest news, updates, and highlights from the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Don’t miss a moment of the action as Europe’s finest football teams compete for Olympic gold. Keep an eye out for more updates on European Olympic Committees initiatives and the latest happenings in European sport.

EOC REFUGEE TEAM ATHLETE CINDY NGAMBA SECURES A SPOT AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

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Cindy Ngamba, who represented the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Refugee Team at the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023, has made history by becoming the first Boxing Refugee Team member to qualify for the Olympic Games. 

Ngamba was one of three EOC Refugee Team members in Poland in 2023, where she carried the Team’s flag at the Opening Ceremony. She will now represent the International Olympic Committee Refugee Olympic Team at Paris 2024. The groundbreaking achievement unfolded at the Boxing Road to Paris 2024 First World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, where Ngamba secured her qualification by winning a gripping quarter-final fight. Ngamba’s victory is a testament to her unwavering commitment and skill, stopping the formidable Valentina Khalova of Kazakhstan to secure her place at the Paris 2024 Olympics.  

Ngamba now lives and trains in the United Kingdom, having been born in Cameroon. Her journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination, serving as a beacon of hope for many young athletes. Ngamba’s story illustrates that perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements and reflects the transformative impact of sport on individual lives. 

At Kraków-Małopolska 2023, Ngamba competed in the 75kg category and left an indelible mark on the event. 

As the EOC celebrates this historic achievement, the spotlight remains on the Refugee Team’s incredible athletes, emphasising their inspiring journeys and the profound impact of their presence on the Olympic stage. 

EOC President Spyros Capralos said:

“It is truly inspiring to see Cindy Ngamba qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in boxing and make history in the process. The EOC is committed to giving opportunities to refugee athletes and focusing on the unique role that sport can play in driving social cohesion and bringing communities together. 

“We were honoured to host the first continental Refugee Team at the European Games last summer as a sign of our commitment and will all be supporting Cindy as she vies for glory in Paris this summer. We look forward to continuing our work with the Olympic Refuge Foundation and ensuring refugee athletes are represented at future editions of our events.” 

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL THE WINTER EYOF BAKURIANI 2025

Written by Carmen on . Posted in Bakuriani 2025, EOC, EYOF. No Comments on THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL THE WINTER EYOF BAKURIANI 2025

On 9 February 2025, all eyes will be on the picturesque resort of Bakuriani, Georgia, as the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) heads to the country for the first time.

As we mark the ‘One Year to Go’ milestone, we look ahead with excitement to Bakuriani 2025, which promises to be a thrilling celebration of athleticism and camaraderie, where Europe’s best young winter athletes compete against each other in the spirit of Olympism.

What is the Winter EYOF and what is its significance in European sport?

The Winter EYOF provides a unique platform for Europe’s best young winter athletes, aged 14 to 18, to compete in an international multi-sport event alongside peers from across the continent. From Alpine skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and more, the EYOF features a diverse range of disciplines and provides athletes with their first opportunity to compete in an event of this kind. The EYOFs have been the launchpad for the careers of many international stars who have gone on to compete and win medals at the Olympic Winter Games.

However, the EYOF isn’t only about medals and victories, it is about ensuring Olympic Values and the spirit of Olympism is passed on to the next generation of European athletes. The Winter EYOF not only nurtures emerging talent but also fosters a sense of unity and sportsmanship among the competitors, who leave having learned about other cultures, and with new friendships and lasting memories. As these young athletes begin their careers, the EYOF serves as a stepping stone, propelling them towards future success on the international stage.

From Friuli-Venezia Giulia (2023) to Gangwon (2024) and beyond

The Winter EYOFs provide a stepping stone to other prestigious events and already in 2024 we have seen that in action. At the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, European athletes who made their international multi-sport debuts at the 2023 Winter EYOF in Friuli-Venezia Giulia were among the medallists. Many of those young stars are now hoping to represent their countries at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, clearly marking the opportunities to progress from EYOFs to the global Olympic stage.

Simultaneously, a new wave of aspiring athletes is gearing up for the 2025 Winter EYOF in Bakuriani. This emphasises the vital role the EYOFs play in shaping the trajectory of athletes’ careers and shows that they are not just a competition, but a pivotal link connecting the aspirations of young athletes to the grandeur of the Olympic Games.

Kona Ettel (GER) in action during the Snowboard Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe at the Hoengseong Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Thursday 1 February 2024. ANOC/Wander Roberto. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC.

Georgia prepares to welcome Europe’s best young athletes again!

Georgia’s ability to stage international multi-sport events was highlighted during its successful hosting of the Summer EYOF in 2015 in its capital Tbilisi. Now the country is ready to shine again. Tbilisi 2015 was a resounding success, characterised by outstanding organisation, spirited competition and a vibrant celebration of youth and sports. It showcased Georgia’s warm hospitality, cultural richness and organisational excellence, leaving a lasting impression on athletes, officials and spectators.

Now, as the clock ticks down to the grand opening of Bakuriani 2025, the excitement is once again rising. Organisers are driven to surpass the achievements of 2015 and enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators. They will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, cuisine and hospitality of Georgia and to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up the European sporting community.

Athletes from Germany cheer during the Closing Ceremony at the Gangneung Olympic Park. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Thursday 1 February 2024. Photo: OIS/Joel Marklund. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC

Stay Connected and Join the Excitement!

As we gear up for Bakuriani 2025, make sure you are staying connected through our social media channels and website. Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, athlete profiles and the latest updates leading up to and during the event. The countdown has officially begun, and there is so much to look forward to. Join us on this thrilling journey as we get Ready to Shine at the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani, Georgia!