The Mercati di Traiano served as the magnificent setting for the Flame of Peace lighting ceremony of the 17th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). The event was hosted by Massimiliano Rosolino, an Italian Olympic swimming champion and gold medallist at the second edition of the Summer EYOF in the Netherlands in 1993.
The ceremony was officially opened by Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, who delivered an inspiring speech. This was followed by heartfelt words from Carlo Mornati, Secretary General of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitol Assembly of the City of Rome, Flavio Siniscalchi, Head of the Sports Department – Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Leri Khabelov, President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, Mamuka Khabareli, President of the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee, and Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport of Georgia.
To conclude the ceremony, Spyros Capralos presented an olive tree to Leri Khabelov as a symbol of peace and harmony. The olive tree, regarded as sacred by Dea Pax, the goddess of peace, has been a symbol of victory since ancient times when Olympic athletes were crowned with olive wreaths. Finally, both Presidents, accompanied by two Georgian athletes, lit the Flame of the Torch.
With the flame now lit, the journey of the Torch to Bakuriani has begun, carrying with it the spirit of the Olympic Movement. The countdown is on — with just 50 days to go until the start of EYOF Bakuriani 2025!
The 2024-2025 International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup season is off to an exciting start, with European athletes taking spotlight. This season promises to be a thrilling journey through some of the most iconic biathlon venues, showcasing the talent and determination of finest european biathletes.
Events Concluded So Far
The season started on November 30, 2024, in Kontiolahti, Finland. This opening event really set the tone for this season, with the athletes fighting it out in frozen Finnish landscapes. The competition then traveled to Östersund in Sweden, where European performers continued to dominate. Swedish star Elvira Öberg and German Franziska Preuss have been among the stars who have consistently finished on the podium.
(biathlonworld.com, IBU, 2024)
Upcoming Events
Le Grand-Bornand, France (December 19-22, 2024): This symbolic venue will host the final event before the Christmas break, providing a gala scenery for some intense competition.
Oberhof, Germany (January 4-7, 2025): The new year will kick off with races in Oberhof, with challenging courses and enthusiastic crowds.
Antholz-Anterselva, Italy (January 18-21, 2025): This venue is a favourite among athletes for its altitude and scenery.
Lenzerheide, Switzerland (February 12-23, 2025): The alpine city will make history as the first Swiss venue to host the IBU World Championships.
European Athletes Leading the Charge
So far this season, European athletes have led the medal tables, headed by Swedish talent Elvira Öberg in the women’s and a battle among Norwegian Sturla Holm Lægreid and Frenchmen Éric Perrot for the top three places on the men’s side, not counting Norwegian superstar Johannes Thingnes Bø.
Elvira Öberg has been the most impressive of all, showing some real shooting accuracy and skiing speed. Her consistency has made her an adversary nobody wants to face, and she is considered the top favorite for the overall title. Franziska Preuss has also been in excellent form, using her experience to negotiate the challenging courses and hold her position among the top contenders.
The rising star in the men’s competition is Éric Perrot, who has been able to climb several podiums due to his agility and precision, which have earned him a place among the key athletes.
Sturla Holm Lægreid is known for his calmness and strategic racing; he is always there to challenge for the top positions.
Recent Achievements by European Teams
European teams have also shone in the relay competitions. The frenchmen, Éric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and Emilien Jacquelin, cruised to an open victory in the first season’s relay competition in Kontiolahti. The very good teamwork and perfect baton changes decided the day for them.
The Swedish women’s team, spearheaded by Elvira Öberg, Hanna Öberg, and Linn Persson, has also been unbeatable. They won the relay race in Östersund, showing their depth and coordination. These victories underlined the strength of European teams and their ability to perform under pressure.
These athletes and teams have shown not only extraordinary skill and endurance but have also inspired a new generation of biathletes across the continent. Their performances testify to the strength and depth of European biathlon, making this season one to watch.
More exciting races and moments might be expected in the course of the 2024-2025 IBU World Cup season. The participation of European stars promises even more interest and a very bright future for biathlon.
With only 18 years old, the French athlete Léa Casta topped the podium in Cervino during the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup. December 14th, 2024, will be a date to never forget for the young athlete. This is her first senior big victory but not the only one, Léa is already used to win medals and achieve goals all around the world during her career. Less than one month ago the snowboarder crossed the line in third position during the European Cup in Pitztal (Austria). And at the beginning of this season, she also topped the podium in the South American Cup celebrated in Corralco (Chile) past October.
(fis-ski.com, @Pentaphoto 2024)
But Casta’s amazing senior performance is not a touch of luck but an example of hard work and progression. Season 2023-2024 was plenty of victories. Two first position in Individual and Team events in FIS Junior World Championship Gudauri (Georgia), an event that she also won in 2023 in Passo San Pellegrino (Italy). French National champion and Gold medal in European Cup celebrated in France in January 2024. And all these victories within a year which started with a Youth Olympic Winter Games Gold Medal in Gangwon (Korea).
During this weekend in Cervino Léa Casta shared the podium with her friend Maja-Li Iafrate-Danielsson who finished third to put in the podium two French flags. There are no doubts of the great talent and future that France is bringing to the Snowboard Cross competition. And keep an eye on this young athlete that for sure is going to bring to France and Europe a lot of more podiums around the world.
The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), a prestigious multi-sport event for young athletes aged 14 to 18, is set to take place in Skopje, North Macedonia, for its 18th Summer edition in 2025. This announcement was made during the Summer EYOF Maribor 2023, where more than 2,400 of Europe’s top young athletes came together to compete across 11 disciplines.
Directed by the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Summer and Winter EYOFs are both held biennially. The Festival serves as a gateway for young athletes to experience the spirit and values of the Olympic Games. Since its inception, many EYOF medallists have gone on to achieve Olympic glory later in their careers.
EOC President Spyros Capralos expressed his enthusiasm for Skopje hosting the Summer EYOF, recognising the dedication of local officials, including Mayor Danela Arsovska and North Macedonian NOC President Daniel Dimevski.
President Capralos remarked: “The EOC is delighted to announce Skopje as the host for the 2025 Summer EYOF. We are confident that the city will provide the young athletes of Europe with memories to last a lifetime.”
Preparations are already underway, with high praise for the city’s sporting venues and infrastructure. Following a site visit with EOC Sports Director Peter Brüll, the EOC EYOF Commission Chair Liney Halldórsdóttir noted: “We were very impressed with the standard and range of facilities that the city has for sport. Their state-of-the-art venues will allow young athletes to perform at their best.”
North Macedonia’s natural beauty, rich culture and renowned hospitality are expected to make the 2025 Summer EYOF a standout event. With nearly 4,000 athletes expected to participate, Skopje is gearing up to offer not only a world-class sporting experience, but also a memorable cultural celebration. The Festival is also expected to boost tourism, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes, delectable Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage.
North Macedonian NOC President Dimevski emphasised the country’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in hosting the EYOF.
“On my behalf and all stakeholders in the country, I assure you that the 2025 Summer EYOF in Skopje will set new high standards in terms of venues, number of sports, facilities, etc., in addition to wonderful food and warm hospitality. I look forward to seeing you in Skopje,” President Dimevski said.
The 2025 Summer EYOF will be a celebration of young talent, passion and hard work, offering athletes a unique opportunity to develop their careers and embody the Olympic ideals. With the support of key stakeholders and the excitement building across the country, Skopje is poised to deliver an unforgettable Festival that will inspire the next generation of European sport champions.
The 2027 European Games are set to be a spectacular celebration of sport in one of the world’s most vibrant cities – Istanbul. This will mark the fourth edition of the European Games, a multi-sport event designed to showcase the continent’s top athletes and sports, and Istanbul is ready to rise to the occasion with its unique blend of cultural heritage, cutting-edge infrastructure and a commitment to sustainability.
Istanbul: The Perfect Host
Istanbul, with its blend of ancient and modern, stands ready as the ideal host. With its strategic location as a bridge between East and West, Istanbul brings a rich cultural and historical backdrop to the 2027 European Games. The city’s readiness was solidified through a formal agreement between the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Turkish Olympic Committee.
Istanbul is no stranger to the global sports stage and the city boasts a wealth of sporting venues and infrastructure. As a city that has hosted numerous international sporting events, including World Championships and major football tournaments, Istanbul is equipped with venues including the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Sinan Erdem Dome and several other modern facilities. Organisers have confirmed that no new permanent venues will be built, as these existing world-class facilities will be utilised to minimise excessive construction. Existing venues will be repurposed and optimised to meet the diverse needs of the European Games’ sports competitions.
The Selection Process
The journey to select Istanbul as the host of the 2027 European Games was driven by the city’s comprehensive plan, presented to the EOC Executive Committee in early 2024. Representatives from Istanbul laid out their vision to build on the previous success of the European Games and make the event even more sustainable and innovative. The EOC praised Istanbul’s bid for its vision, infrastructure and the positive impact the Games would have on the city.
Istanbul’s selection was a unanimous decision by the EOC Executive Committee at its meeting in March 2024. A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EOC, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Turkish Olympic Committee in May 2024, and Istanbul’s candidature for the 2027 European Games was ratified by the 53rd EOC General Assembly in Bucharest, Romania in June 2024.
A Platform for Europe’s Best
The European Games serve as Europe’s premier multi-sport event for athletes from across the continent, giving them a platform to compete at the highest level and often acting as a stepping stone for future success at the Olympic Games.
As with previous editions, many competitions at the 2027 European Games will serve as Olympic qualifiers, increasing the stakes for the athletes involved.
The European Games are expected to boost sports tourism and strengthen ties between sporting communities across Europe. The participation of Europe’s top athletes and the collaborative spirit among the continent’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will make Istanbul a buzzing hub of athletic excellence during the Games.
Looking Forward
Istanbul is set to become a hub for thousands of athletes and fans in 2027. The European Games will provide a unique opportunity for the city to showcase its culture and hospitality while giving athletes a world-class competition environment.
In less than three years’ time, Istanbul will once again take centre stage, reminding the world why it’s one of the most iconic cities in both sport and culture. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and Istanbul is ready to shine!
In a historic shift for artistic swimming, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will witness a groundbreaking change, particularly impacting European athletes. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, men will be eligible to compete in the artistic swimming team event, adding a dynamic twist to the traditional discipline and creating gender parity.
Since its debut at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984, artistic swimming has seen minimal changes. However, the team event at Paris 2024 introduces two significant modifications:
Men’s Eligibility: Paris 2024 sets a milestone by allowing men to participate in the artistic swimming team event. This decision, endorsed by the International Olympic Committee in December 2022, provides male athletes with a platform to make history.
Acrobatic Routine Introduction: Alongside the inclusion of men, the team event will feature an acrobatic routine, injecting fresh excitement and creativity into the traditional artistic swimming format.
At Paris 2024, ten teams, each comprising eight swimmers, will compete in the artistic swimming team event. Italy’s Giorgio Minisini, the first man to participate in a major senior competition during the recent European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023, exemplifies the positive impact of this rule change.
Minisini helped Italy to win three medals in the team events – silver in both the technical and free routines, and bronze in the acrobatic discipline – adding to gold in the technical mixed duet and silver in free mixed duet.
Expressing his thoughts on the rule change, Minisini stated: “We are now walking on a path towards inclusivity that will bring hope and opportunities to all athletes in our sport.”
European athletes like Minisini and French swimmer Quentin Rakotomalala aim to challenge stereotypes, emphasising inclusivity and diversity in artistic swimming.
As the Olympic Games approach, Europe stands at the forefront of this historic change, where men will challenge traditions and contribute to the ongoing evolution of artistic swimming. Paris 2024 promises to be a momentous chapter in the history of the sport, with European athletes playing a leading role in shaping its future.
As we gear up for the highly anticipated Olympic Games Paris 2024, there’s an extra dose of excitement. Breaking is set to make its debut on the grand stage, while sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing will appear for just the second time at an Olympic Games after Tokyo 2020. These sports will bring a fresh wave of energy and innovation to the Olympic Games, promising captivating performances and thrilling moments.
Breaking: From the European Games 2023 to Paris 2024
One of the most groundbreaking additions to the Olympic programme is breaking,. The electric and dynamic nature of breaking earned it a spot in the Olympic spotlight, and at the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023, the stage was set for athletes to secure their place at Paris 2024.
In the B-boy category, Dany from France wowed judges and spectators alike, clinching victory and earning his ticket to the Olympic Games. Similarly, in the B-girl category, India from the Netherlands showcased exceptional skills, securing her spot in Paris 2024. These two European athletes are set to make history as they step onto the Olympic stage for the inaugural edition of breaking at the Games.
Sport climbing
Sport climbing, a sport that involves speed, strength and precision, is set to captivate audiences at Paris 2024. The addition of sport climbing to the Olympic programme reflects a commitment to embracing diverse and dynamic disciplines.
Athletes from around the world will compete in speed climbing, and bouldering and lead combined, showcasing their versatility and mastery of various techniques.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding, a sport synonymous with urban culture and creativity, is set to inject an extra dose of “cool” into the Olympic Games Paris 2024. With street and park disciplines on display, skateboarders will showcase their skills on ramps, rails and other obstacles, promising a new and refreshing visual spectacle for fans around the world.
Skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympic Games is a testament to the sport’s global appeal and its ability to resonate with a diverse audience. Get ready to witness the unique style and flair of skateboarders as they roll into the Olympic arena for the first time.
Surfing
Paris 2024 will further expand the reach of the Olympic Games through the inclusion of surfing at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Surfers will hit the waves, combining athleticism and artistry as they navigate the dynamic ocean conditions.
The inclusion of surfing aligns with the Olympic values of embracing nature and celebrating the diversity of sports. Expect breathtaking manoeuvres and thrilling rides as surfers from around the globe showcase their passion for this iconic water sport.
The inclusion of breaking, sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing at Paris 2024 promises to elevate the Olympic experience to new heights. As athletes from diverse backgrounds and cultures converge to compete in these innovative disciplines, the spirit of the Games will undoubtedly be enriched with excitement, creativity and a sense of unity. Get ready to witness history in the making as these four dynamic disciplines take their place on the Olympic stage.
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