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Author: maria.ruiz

BEN CAVET: SUPERB WEEKEND AT BAKURIANI

A sublime performance in Bakuriani (Georgia) last Friday, 20th December, earned Benjamin Cavet 84.08 points to top the podium in the Men’s Moguls competition, securing his first medal of the weekend and his first World Cup win in four years – but not the last. The Frenchman also claimed second place the next day in the Men’s Dual Moguls competition. For Cavet, Bakuriani will undoubtedly be a cherished memory of the 2024–2025 season. 

Ten years earlier, 2014 was a standout year for a young Ben Cavet. He won a gold medal in Dual Moguls and a silver medal in Moguls at the FIS Junior World Championships. That same year, he participated in his first Winter Olympics, Sochi 2014, where he finished in eighth place. He also competed in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022. 

Photo: FIS FREESTYLE SKI

In 2016, Cavet stood on the podium three times and finished third overall in the FIS World Cup series. The 2016–17 season was his most successful yet; he achieved six podium finishes in World Cup Moguls and finished second overall. Cavet was Vice World Champion in both 2017 and 2021. 

However, since the FIS World Cup in Idre Fjäll (Sweden) in 2020, victory had eluded him – until now. Cavet is a veteran and one of the most experienced mogulists still competing. His hard work and dedication paid off in Bakuriani, and he will be one to watch for the rest of the season, including the qualification rounds for Milano-Cortina 2026. 

The World Cup season will now take a short break over the holidays. The circuit will resume in the new year with the Moguls World Cup in Waterville on 24th–25th January 2025. 

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKING 2024: A SPECTACULAR SHOWDOWN IN CHENGDU

Photo: B-Girls podium (WSDF, 2024)

The World Championship Breaking 2024 took place in Chengdu, China, on December 20 and 21, uniting the finest B-Boys and B-Girls globally for a thrilling exhibition of talent and creativity. The Chengbei Gymnasium was buzzing with excitement as over 170 competitors from 31 countries vied for the prestigious titles. 

European Athletes Shine 

European athletes made a significant impact at the championship, particularly in the B-Girls category. Among the standout performers were: 

  • Pauline (Germany): Advanced to the Top 16 in the B-Girls category. 
  • Anti (Italy): Competed fiercely against Ayane from Japan in the B-Girls Top 16. 
  • Stefani (Ukraine): Showcased her skills against Syssy from France, making it to the Top 16. 

In the B-Boys category, notable European athletes included: 

  • Menno (Netherlands): A three-time Red Bull BC One champion known for his fluid transitions and unique style. 
  • Lee (Netherlands): A member of The Ruggeds and the Red Bull BC One All Stars, known for his exceptional techniques. 

Results 

The finals were a thrilling conclusion to the championship. In the B-Girls category: 

  • First Place: India from the Netherlands 
  • Second Place: 671 from China 
  • Third Place: Nicka from Lithuania 

In the B-Boys category: 

  • First Place: B-Boy Issin from Japan 
  • Second Place: Shigekix from Japan 
  • Third Place: MonkeyZ from China 

India outstanding triumph 

Photo: B-Girl India’s performance (Lawksam, 2024)

B-Girl India, whose real name is India Sardjoe, hails from the Netherlands and has been a prominent figure in the breaking scene. Her victory in Chengdu adds to her impressive list of achievements. India previously competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where breaking made its debut. She advanced to the semi-finals and ultimately finished in fourth place. 

Despite missing out on a medal, her performance at the Olympics showcased her exceptional talent and determination. 

India’s journey in breaking began at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence by winning the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2022. Her success continued as she secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics by winning the European Games in 2023. 

India’s unique style and creativity have made her a standout performer, and her triumph in Chengdu solidifies her status as one of the top B-Girls in the world. 

Nicka remarkable performance  

B-Girl Nicka, whose real name is Dominika Banevič, had a remarkable year. Representing Lithuania, she secured third place in Chengdu, adding to her impressive achievements, including a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nicka’s dedication and skill have made her a prominent figure in the breaking community. 

Coming up in the Breaking horizon 

The World Championship Breaking 2024 set the stage for future competitions, with Chengdu set to host the DanceSport events during The World Games in August 2025. The remarkable talent and dedication displayed by the athletes promise an exciting future for the sport. 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR WINTER EYOF BAKURIANI 2025 LAUNCHED

The official website for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 has been launched, offering a comprehensive resource for fans, athletes, coaches and media. The website is now live and accessible here.

The Winter EYOF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) dedicated to athletes aged 14 to 18. It serves as a platform for Europe’s best young sports talents to compete and showcase their skills on an international stage. The 2025 edition will take place from February 9 to 16, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in Bakuriani, Georgia.

Bakuriani, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class winter sports facilities, is set to provide a stunning backdrop for the Festival as participating young athletes compete in eight sports.

The newly-launched Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website will enhance the event by providing an interactive and user-friendly experience. It offers a wealth of information, including detailed event schedules, the latest news updates, venue details, participant profiles and a rich collection of multimedia
content.

Key Features of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Website

  • News and updates: Latest news, announcements and stories from Bakuriani.
  • Venue information: Maps and details of all event locations.
  • Participant information: Profiles and information about the athletes.
  • Multimedia content: Photo galleries and videos showcasing preparation and highlights.
  • Event schedule: Detailed information on all competitions and activities (available soon).

In collaboration with Sport Europe, the website also aims to amplify the fan movement, making it a central hub where the excitement of the Bakuriani event can be followed by supporters across Europe.

The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 promises to be an exciting event, celebrating the sporting achievements of Europe’s young athletes. The official website will be instrumental in connecting audiences to the spirit and excitement of the Festival. For more information, please visit the official Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website here.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS BAKURIANI 2025 REVEALS OFFICIAL MASCOT AND ANTHEM

The official mascot of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 is GUNDA, a Caucasusian Lynx. The species is native to the majestic Caucasus Mountains where the Festival will be held, while GUNDA, means “snowball” in Georgian. The mascot symbolises the spirit of the EYOF and embodies the qualities of strength, determination and precision – traits that young athletes rely on to achieve their best performances. Described by the Organising Committee as having a remarkable ability to glide gracefully through the snow, GUNDA’s piercing gaze and agile movements are set to inspire the young athletes competing in the Winter EYOF.

Introducing GUNDA: The Mascot of Bakuriani 2025


Mr Mamuka Khabareli, Chair of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Local Organising Committee, expressed his delight at the unveiling event, stating: “Our mascot GUNDA will be one of the symbols of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival Bakuriani 2025. We are thrilled to introduce her to Europe with less than a year to go before the event. The excitement among the guests, especially the schoolchildren, was palpable during the unveiling.”

EUROPEAN TEAMS SHINE IN FIBA WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTS

Four European nations will join hosts France at Paris 2024 following FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments

Four European nations will join hosts France in the women’s basketball tournament at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after they secured their quota spots at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The four FIBA Qualifying Tournaments were held in Belgium, Brazil, China and Hungary between 8 and 11 February, where Belgium, Germany, Serbia and Spain all booked their spots at the first Olympic Games to be held in Europe since London 2012. It is the first time that the German women’s basketball team have qualified for the Olympic Games.

They will compete against France in Paris, who are automatically given a quota place in the tournament as the host nation. The presence of five European sides in the 12-team competition highlights the strength and talent within the European basketball community.

France’s Gabby Williams: A Standout Performer

Despite France already being assured of a spot at Paris 2024, Gabby Williams emerged as one of the standout players at the qualifying tournament held in Xi’an, China. Despite playing an average of just 20.8 minutes per game, Williams showcased her exceptional skills by averaging an impressive 16.3 points and 2.7 steals per game. Her dynamic presence on the court will excite home crowds at the Olympic Games, where her performances could help the French team compete for medals.

Belgium’s Emma Meesseman: A Driving Force

Belgium’s Emma Meesseman played a pivotal role in her team’s success during the qualifiers in Antwerp, where record-breaking crowds witnessed her stellar performances. Meesseman recorded 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, displaying both scoring prowess and an ability to dominate the boards as Belgium secured their second-ever Olympic quota spot in women’s basketball.

European Presence: A Cause for Celebration

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Olympic Games, the European basketball community can take pride in having more teams qualified than any other continent.

Four European teams competed at Tokyo 2020, where France beat Serbia in the bronze-medal match, and the addition of a further team is testament to the continuous growth and competitiveness of women’s basketball in Europe.

WATER POLO POOLS UNVEILED FOR PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES

The final list of classified teams and pools has been revealed for both the men’s and women’s water polo competition at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In the men’s discipline, Europe asserts its dominance with nine out of the twelve classified teams hailing from the continent. Notably, five European nations have earned a spot in both the men’s and women’s disciplines, namely France, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Greece.

The pools for the men’s competition are defined as follows: Pool A boasts a formidable lineup with Croatia, Italy, Romania, USA, Greece, and Montenegro. Meanwhile, Pool B promises intense battles with France, Hungary, Spain, Serbia, Australia, and Japan. The competition promises to be as intense as ever, and with more European presence than ever!

In the women’s discipline, six out of the twelve classified teams are from Europe, further emphasising the continent’s prowess in the sport. The pools for the women’s competition are equally compelling. Pool A features Australia, China, Netherlands, Canada, Hungary, while Pool B showcases France, USA, Italy, Greece, and Spain. A strong lineaup of teams from across the globe ensures a thrilling and unpredictable competition at Paris 2024.

As we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the water polo community is buzzing with excitement. The convergence of elite teams from Europe sets the stage for a truly amazing spectacle. Fans can look forward to witnessing intense battles in the water, and moments of sheer brilliance as the best water polo athletes from around the world vie for Olympic gold.