Author: Luis

Biathlon Highlights from Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Ukraine Takes the Crown

The Biathlon events at the Bakuriani 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) delivered a captivating blend of speed, precision, and teamwork. In the highly anticipated Single Mixed Relay, Ukraine shone brightly, clinching the gold medal in a thrilling race, followed closely by Czechia and Switzerland. This competition was packed with standout performances and nail-biting moments that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Ukraine’s team, featuring Viktoriia Khvostenko and Taras Tarasiuk, exhibited remarkable skill and composure throughout the race. Khvostenko started strong, completing her leg in just 9:43.6, setting the pace for the team. Tarasiuk followed suit, finishing his leg in a swift 8:15.6, ensuring Ukraine maintained their lead. With a total time of 40:20.7, they finished without missing only three targets, a true testament to their sharpshooting abilities.

Czechia secured the silver medal, thanks to the impressive teamwork of Lucie Jandurova and Daniel Ryska. Jandurova displayed a solid performance, clocking in at 9:44.0 for her first leg, and Ryska followed with an equally commendable time of 8:31.0. Their final time of 40:37.5 put them 16.8 seconds behind the Ukrainian team, but their determination shone through as they battled through the course.

Switzerland, represented by Molly Kafka and Levin Janis Kunz, rounded out the podium with a time of 41:16.2. Kafka started well with a leg time of 9:49.3, but the team faced challenges with penalties, resulting in additional time added to their total. Despite these setbacks, their spirit and teamwork highlighted the essence of biathlon as they pushed through to secure third place.

Italy’s team, featuring Gaia Gondolo and Rafael Santer, finished fourth with a time of 41:21.3. Gondolo faced some difficulty with penalties, but Santer’s strong performance kept the team competitive. Bulgaria, France, and Austra also showcased their talents, finishing in fifth, sixth, and seventh places, respectively.

The day ended with cheers and applause for all athletes, celebrating their hard work and dedication. From the stunning performances to the thrilling finishes, the Biathlon events at Bakuriani 2025 EYOF truly captured the spirit of youth sports and the joy of competition. As the athletes gear up for the next round of events, fans will be eagerly awaiting more memorable moments on the snowy slopes.

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Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Freestyle Skiing Takes Centre Stage

The Freestyle Skiing competitions at the Bakuriani 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) brought together young athletes from across Europe for a showcase of talent and skill. On 12 February, the boys’ and girls’ freeski slopestyle finals took place, featuring 21 competitors from 16 different countries. The excitement was palpable as participants showed off their tricks and techniques on a challenging course designed for the occasion.

In the boys’ freeski slopestyle final, Viktor Alexander Maksyagin from Switzerland emerged as the standout star. He secured first place with a remarkable score of 90.00 from his first run, followed closely by Austria’s Benjamin Lengger, who finished second with a best score of 88.50. The Swedish skier Victor Knutsen rounded out the podium in third place, earning a score of 87.50.

The conditions throughout the event were sunny, with hard-packed snow and temperatures hovering around -7°C. The athletes had to navigate a course that included a variety of jibbing and jumping features, designed specifically to test their creativity and technical ability.

As the boys wrapped up their event, the girls were set to take their turn on the slopes. The girls’ freeski slopestyle final featured nine competitors, with Simona Revjagin from Estonia taking the gold medal. She delivered a strong performance, scoring 86.00 in her best run. Denmark’s Silje Kinkead secured the silver with a score of 82.50, while Great Britain’s Sandra Caune took home the bronze with a score of 80.00.

The energy was high as each athlete showcased their abilities, pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport.

With the sun shining brightly on the slopes of Bakuriani, the young athletes demonstrated not only their skills but also their passion for freestyle skiing. As the competitions continue, the excitement builds for what’s to come in this year’s EYOF.

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Bakuriani 2025: Snowboard Slopestyle Qualification Highlights

The snowy slopes of Bakuriani provided an exciting backdrop for the Boys’ and Girls’ Snowboard Slopestyle qualifications on 11 February 2025. With 34 competitors from 21 countries in the boys’ event and 23 athletes from 15 nations in the girls’ contest, the stage was set for an impressive display of talent and skill. The top performers showcased their abilities, securing spots in the finals amidst sunny skies and packed snow conditions.

Boys’ Snowboard Slopestyle Qualification

In the boys’ competition, Oliver Stastny from the Czech Republic took the top spot with a best score of 84.50, showing off his flair and technical skill on the course. He impressed the judges with consistent runs, scoring 84.50 on both of his attempts. Following closely in second place was Switzerland’s Reef Hasler, whose best score of 82.00 earned him a well-deserved spot in the finals. Mischa Zuercher, also from Switzerland, completed the podium in third with a best score of 80.25.

Other notable performances included Unai Lopez Sousa from Spain, who finished fourth with a score of 79.75, and Luka Kamissek from Germany in fifth with a score of 73.75. The qualification saw competitors pushing their limits, with the top twelve advancing to the finals.

Girls’ Snowboard Slopestyle Qualification

The girls’ event was equally competitive, with Anna Tomanova from the Czech Republic leading the pack with a fantastic score of 89.50, showcasing her agility and creativity on the slopes. Katja Dutu from the Netherlands followed in second with a strong score of 85.75, while Emily Rothney from Great Britain secured third place with a score of 75.50.

The qualification round saw a total of eight competitors progressing to the finals, with athletes aiming to replicate their impressive performances. Among them, Laura Anga from Estonia and Lura Wick from Switzerland also made it through, rounding out the top five with scores of 73.00 and 67.25, respectively.

As the competitors prepare for the finals, the excitement continues to build in Bakuriani. With a mix of experienced athletes and promising newcomers, the snowboard slopestyle finals are set to be an event filled with skill and determination. The snowy slopes await the next round of action, and fans are eager to see who will rise to the occasion in this thrilling competition.

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On a crisp day in Bakuriani, the Cross-Country Skiing events of the 2025 EYOF kicked off with excitement and fierce competition. Athletes from across Europe gathered to showcase their skills in the Boys’ 7.5km Classic and Girls’ 5km Classic races. The sun shone brightly on the hard-packed snow, setting the stage for some impressive performances.

Boys’ 7.5km Classic

The standout athlete of the day was Daniel Pedranzini from Italy, who finished first with a time of 19:45.0. His consistent pace throughout the race, clocking in at 6:21.6 for the 2.5km mark and 12:57.5 at 5.0km, allowed him to secure the top position. Following closely was Finland’s Topias Vuorela, who finished second with a time of 20:01.9, just 16.9 seconds behind. France’s Victor Lafrasse took home the bronze, finishing in 20:17.1.

Key highlights included strong performances from athletes like Kalle Tossavainen from Finland and Ebbe Goransson from Sweden, who finished fourth and fifth respectively. Notably, the competition was intense, with many athletes battling for the top spots and posting competitive times.

Girls’ 5km Classic

In the girls’ event, Sweden’s Malva Nisen took the gold medal with a remarkable finishing time of 14:48.7. Her solid performance included a swift start, clocking 7:10.2 at the 2.5km mark. France’s Gaetane Breniaux secured silver, finishing at 15:20.7, while Nina Cantieni from Switzerland completed the podium in third with a time of 15:22.2.

Other notable performances came from Anouchka Neuville and Vanessa Cagnati of France and Italy, respectively, who finished fourth and fifth, both showing great form on the course.

The atmosphere in Bakuriani was filled with support and enthusiasm from fans, adding to the spirited environment. As the day concluded, the athletes left everything on the track, setting the tone for the rest of the competition. With more events to come, the excitement in the air is palpable as these young athletes strive for excellence.

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Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Short Track Speed Skating Finals Overview

The excitement of the short track speed skating finals at the Bakuriani 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival reached new heights today. Young athletes showcased their skills, determination, and speed in the 500m races, resulting in some close finishes and impressive performances across both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Boys’ Finals

In the Boys’ Final A, Italy’s Filippo Pezzoni sped to victory with a time of 43.420 seconds, closely followed by Poland’s Franciszek Izbicki, who finished just behind him at 43.443 seconds. Hungary’s Mihaly Arendas secured third place with a time of 43.555 seconds, while Turkey’s Berat Efe Dal came in fourth at 43.736 seconds. Czech Republic’s Samuel Oliver Sulc rounded out the top five with a time of 43.742 seconds.

The Boys’ Final B saw Elio Calanca from France take the top spot, clocking in at 44.309 seconds. Hungary’s Bence Benedek followed closely behind at 44.444 seconds, with Italy’s Alessandro Picco finishing third in 44.484 seconds. Lithuania’s Adomas Ogulevicius came fourth with a time of 44.751 seconds.

Girls’ Finals

In the Girls’ Final A, Isra Gharsallaoui from France proved to be the fastest, finishing with a time of 45.994 seconds. Natasa Z. Molnar from Hungary took second place at 46.102 seconds, while Ukraine’s Mariia Khokhelko secured the bronze with a time of 46.277 seconds. Denmark’s Luna-Marie Lau finished fourth at 46.403 seconds.

The Girls’ Final B was won by Lisa Victoria Ngo Mouaha from France, who finished in 46.421 seconds. Italy’s Beatrice Paglia followed closely in 46.482 seconds, while Sofija Rodic from Serbia took third with a time of 46.966 seconds. Italy’s Nina Trabucchi finished fourth at 46.981 seconds.

Today’s finals displayed the incredible talent and competitive spirit of these young athletes at the EYOF in Bakuriani. With such close races and remarkable times, it’s clear that the future of short track speed skating is bright!

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Alpine Skiing: Girls’ Giant Slalom at Bakuriani 2025 EYOF – A Day of Skill and Speed

On 11 February 2025, the Alpine Skiing events of the Bakuriani European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) kicked off with the Girls’ Giant Slalom, showcasing the talents of young athletes from 33 nations. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, the competition featured a challenging course with a vertical drop of 303 metres over a length of 934 metres.

The first run started at 09:30, with the course expertly set by Paolo Deflorian from Italy. A total of 75 competitors took to the slopes, but not all managed to finish, with ten not completing their first run. The atmosphere was electric as the athletes pushed themselves down the course, which included 37 gates designed to test their technical skills.

Swiss skier Lara Bianchi emerged as the star of the day, finishing with a time of 1:39.55 after two runs combined, securing the gold medal. She led a strong performance from the Swiss team, demonstrating remarkable precision and speed on the technical course. Following her, Italy’s Marta Giaretto claimed silver with a time of 1:40.82, while Norwegian Helene Oveland took bronze with a total of 1:41.21.

The top five athletes showcased their skills impressively. Alessandra Di Sabatino from Italy finished fourth, just behind Oveland, with a time of 1:41.31. Emma Bastita, another Italian contestant, rounded out the top five with a final time of 1:41.50.

The second run began at 11:30, with Georg Hofmarcher as the course setter, who laid out 36 gates for the competitors. The changes in conditions and the increased pressure of the second run led to a few surprises, with several racers failing to finish, including notable names like Margot Simond from France and Victoria Mikalsen from Norway.

Here are the official results for the top ten finishers in the Girls’ Giant Slalom:
1. Lara Bianchi (SUI) – 1:39.55
2. Marta Giaretto (ITA) – 1:40.82
3. Helene Oveland (NOR) – 1:41.21
4. Alessandra Di Sabatino (ITA) – 1:41.31
5. Emma Bastita (ITA) – 1:41.50
6. Borge Andresen FJ (NOR) – 1:41.55
7. Minna Bont (SUI) – 1:41.58
8. Juliette Fournier (SUI) – 1:42.02
9. Elena Grumer (AUT) – 1:42.07
10. Eliska Hordossy (CZE) – 1:43.14

Overall, the event was a testament to the talent and determination of the young athletes participating in the EYOF. As the competition continues in Bakuriani, excitement is building for the upcoming events, where more stars of the future will have the opportunity to shine.

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Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Ice Hockey Highlights from the Girls’ Competitions

The Bakuriani 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival has seen some exciting moments in the ice hockey arena, particularly with the recent matches that took place at the Tbilisi Ice Arena. The atmosphere was electric as teams vied for the coveted medals, showcasing their skills and determination.

Czechia Triumphs Over Finland in Gold Medal Match

In the highly anticipated gold medal game, Czechia faced off against Finland, and it was Czechia who emerged victorious with a score of 5-2. The match began without any goals in the first period, which was marked by a strong defensive performance from both teams. However, Czechia found their rhythm in the second period, scoring three goals, while Finland managed to net one. Key players for Czechia included Adela Mynarikova and Karolina Bojdova, each contributing crucial goals to the team’s success. Lili Chmelarova, the Czech goalkeeper, made 19 saves, ensuring her team secured the win.

The final score was achieved with Czechia dominating the third period, adding two more goals, despite Finland’s spirited effort to close the gap. Finland’s Neta Siitonen scored on a power play, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Slovakia Edges Past Sweden for Bronze

In a thrilling bronze medal match, Slovakia triumphed over Sweden with a narrow 7-6 victory after a competitive battle that went into overtime. The match was a rollercoaster, with Sweden taking an early lead, only for Slovakia to respond with four unanswered goals in the second period. The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams displaying excellent offensive skills and resilience. The standout player for Slovakia was Greta Konradova, who scored key goals throughout the match.

In the extra period, Slovakia’s Natalia Gero clinched the win, securing the bronze medal for her team.

Switzerland Dominates Italy

Switzerland demonstrated their prowess in the placement match against Italy, finishing with a commanding 8-0 win. The Swiss squad came out strong, scoring four goals in the first period alone. Alicia Fausch and Laelia Huwyler were among the standout players, with Fausch netting two goals and Huwyler contributing to the team’s overwhelming offensive strategy. Switzerland’s goalkeeper Norina Schrupkowski earned a shutout, making six saves, while her team’s relentless attack kept Italy on the back foot throughout the game.

Finland Shines in Overtime Victory Against Slovakia

In the semifinals, Finland faced Slovakia in a tightly contested match that ended with Finland winning 3-2 after overtime. The game was scoreless in the first period, but both teams exchanged goals in the second, with Slovakia taking a brief lead. However, Finland’s Emmi Loponen equalised, pushing the game into a tense overtime where Yenna Kolmonen scored the decisive goal, sending Finland into the finals.

The ice hockey competitions at the Bakuriani 2025 EYOF have showcased incredible talent and sportsmanship among the young athletes. With Czechia taking gold, Slovakia securing bronze, and Switzerland’s impressive win, the excitement continues as these athletes strive for excellence in their sport. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await more matches that promise to deliver skill and determination on the ice.

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Knutsen and Kinkead shine as freestyle skiers entertain in qualifying at Bakuriani 2025

Qualification for the freeski slopestyle competition at the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival Bakuriani 2025 began on Monday as young athletes from across Europe showcased their exceptional talent on the slopes.

Eager to make their mark with just the top 12 boys progressing to Wednesday’s (12 February), competition was fierce and the atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement.

In the boys’ freeski slopestyle competition, 22 skiers from 14 countries took to the Bakuriani Freestyle-Snowboard Course. Leading the charge was Sweden’s Victor Knutsen, who dominated the field with a best score of 93.25 on his first run. His consistent performance earned him a spot in the finals, setting a high bar for the other athletes.

Following Knutsen was Austria’s Benjamin Lengger, who secured second place with a best score of 91.25. His runs demonstrated skill and creativity, showcasing the flair that the judges were looking for, whileCzech athlete Eliasz Kiszka rounded out the top three, finishing with a best score of 87.25.

Czechia, Switzerland and Finland will all be represented by two athletes in the final, with nine countries in total seeing athletes progress.

In the girls’ freeski slopestyle qualification, all nine competitors will compete in Wednesday’s final, meaning Monday’s competition was all about sending a strong message to the other competitors. Denmark’s Silje Kinkead did just that, taking the top spot with a strong score of 80.50 on her first run.

Sweden’s Estrid Fahlen followed closely in second place with a score of 71.50, while Ukraine’s Mariia Aniichyn claimed third with a best score of 70.25. There are seven different countries represented in the girls’ competition.

The conditions on the course were sunny with hard-packed snow providing an excellent surface for the athletes. The vertical drop of 118m and course length of 450m offered a challenging environment that tested the competitors’ skills and determination.

Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Biathlon Highlights from the Boys’ 12.5km Individual and Girls’ 10km Individual Events

On 10 February 2025, the Bakuriani BTH-CCS Stadium hosted an exciting day of biathlon competition as young athletes showcased their skills in the Boys’ 12.5km Individual and Girls’ 10km Individual races at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).

Boys’ 12.5km Individual

The competition began with the Boys’ 12.5km Individual event, where Grzegorz Galica from Poland emerged victorious, clocking in at 32:53.7. Galica’s performance was marked by one penalty in the standing position but showcased a strong skiing pace, leading to a total time of 35:08.7. His closest rival, Nans Madelenat from France, finished in second place, 14.8 seconds behind, with a total of two penalties.

Rafael Santer of Italy secured the third position, finishing with a time of 36:08.6, despite incurring one penalty which slightly hindered his overall performance. Taras Tarasiuk from Ukraine and Simon Hechenberger from Austria rounded out the top five, both demonstrating commendable efforts but unable to catch the leaders.

Notably, the event featured a range of performances from various nations, highlighting the competitive spirit of the young biathletes. The race was marked by several impressive ski times, with athletes such as Esteban Moreira of France and Andreas Braunhofer of Italy demonstrating their prowess, finishing in sixth and seventh respectively.

Girls’ 10km Individual

The Girls’ 10km Individual race followed, where Michaela Strakova from Slovakia distinguished herself with an outstanding performance. Strakova completed the race in 30:23.3, remaining penalty-free and showcasing exceptional skiing skills. She finished with a total time of 31:53.3, placing her well ahead of the competition.

Juliette Oliva from France finished in second place, clocking in at 33:43.1, while Giannina Piller from Switzerland secured third with a time of 33:47.3. Both athletes demonstrated strong shooting performances, though Oliva incurred four penalties which contributed to her time.

The event also saw notable performances from competitors like Ajda Spitalar from Slovenia and Hanni Koski from Finland, both of whom finished in the top five, illustrating the depth of talent present in the competition.

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Boys’ Giant Slalom at Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: A Competitive Showcase

On 10 February 2025, Bakuriani hosted the Boys’ Giant Slalom event as part of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), welcoming 92 competitors from 36 National Olympic Committees. The event began at 09:30, with a vertical drop of 303 meters on the Alpine Skiing Bakuriani D5 GS course, which measured 934 meters in length.

The first run saw Norwegian athlete Elias Hartford Kvael, take an early lead with a time of 48.98 seconds. He was closely followed by Great Britain’s Freddy Carrick-Smith, who posted a 49.27, and Storm Andre Hagen, also from Norway, with a time of 49.29 seconds. The tight competition was evident as the top three were separated by just 0.31 seconds.

The first run concluded with Elias Hartford Kvael at the top, but as the second run commenced at 12:00, it became clear that the competition was far from over. Freddy Carrick Smith executed a strong second run, clocking 48.44 seconds, bringing his total time to 1:37.71. This performance secured him the gold medal, marking a significant achievement for the British skier.

Norway’s Storm Andre Hagen also maintained his form, finishing the second run in 49.09 seconds, which allowed him to consolidate his position and claim the silver medal with a total time of 1:38.38. Meanwhile, Croatia’s Ziggy Vrdoljak showcased his skills with a consistent performance, finishing with an overall time of 1:38.94 for the bronze medal.

The results reflected a competitive field, with athletes demonstrating remarkable talent and resilience on the challenging course. Alongside Freddy Carrick Smith, Storm Andre Hagen, and Ziggy Vrdoljak, other notable performances included Czech skier David Janda, who finished fourth with a total time of 1:39.10, and Zak Carrick Smith, also from Great Britain, who placed fifth with 1:39.50.

Following the event, the race jury, which included FIS Technical Delegate Reinhard Ebner from Austria and Referee Janka Gantnerova from Slovakia, commended the athletes for their performances under demanding conditions. The course, homologated with number 15471/10/24, proved to be a fitting venue for showcasing the future stars of alpine skiing.

With the conclusion of the Boys’ Giant Slalom, the Bakuriani 2025 EYOF continues to provide a platform for young athletes to compete at an international level, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship across nations.

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