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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Short Track Speed Skating Finals at Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Key Highlights

On the first and final day of the Short Track Speed Skating 1500m events at the Bakuriani 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival, athletes delivered compelling performances in both the boys and girls categories.

Boys’ Final A 1500m

In the Boys’ Final A, the race concluded with a closely contested finish. Jesper Schmitz from the Netherlands claimed the gold medal with a time of 2:27.560, demonstrating both speed and strategy throughout the race. Following closely was Italy’s Filippo Pezzoni, securing the silver medal with a time of 2:27.753. French skater Elio Calanca rounded out the podium with a solid performance, finishing in third place with a time of 2:27.827.

The remaining competitors included Jan Muchka from the Czech Republic (4th, 2:28.361), Hungary’s Mihaly Arendas (5th, 2:28.925), and Samuel Oliver Sulc from the Czech Republic (6th, 2:28.953). Nathan Muller from France finished in 7th place with a time of 2:58.884.

Boys’ Final B 1500m

In the Boys’ Final B, Alessandro Picco of Italy emerged victorious with a time of 2:29.201. Norway’s Henri Stenskrog Midjo followed in second place, clocking in at 2:31.936. Danyil Nedbai from Ukraine secured third with a time of 2:32.169. The remaining positions went to Bence Benedek from Hungary (4th, 2:36.956), Kebba Njie from the Netherlands (5th, 2:46.223), and Adrian Chanchev from Bulgaria (6th, 3:08.788). A penalty was issued to Oskar Soltau from Poland, concluding his race prematurely.

Girls’ Final A 1500m

In the Girls’ Final A, Lisa Victoria Ngo Mouaha of France took first place with a time of 2:42.123. Poland’s Daria Daszuta closely followed, finishing second in 2:42.562. Mariia Khokhelko from Ukraine secured third place with a time of 2:42.718. Other notable finishes included Natasa Z. Molnar from Hungary (4th, 2:42.830), Beatrice Paglia from Italy (5th, 2:43.310), Flora Kiss-Gebora from Hungary (6th, 2:43.398), and Nisa Nur Fidan from Turkey (7th, 2:43.831).

Girls’ Final B 1500m

In the Girls’ Final B, Denmark’s Luna-Marie Lau emerged victorious with a time of 2:37.288. Anna Pnovska from the Czech Republic secured second place with a time of 2:37.379, while Fleur Alkemaade of the Netherlands finished third in 2:39.152. The remaining competitors included Natalia Jarmoc from Poland (4th, 2:40.938), Derya Karadag from Turkey (5th, 2:43.388), Lara Dziedzínova from Slovakia (6th, 2:43.412), and Sterre De Wilde from Belgium (7th, 3:03.242).

The finals brought together some of the best young talents in short track speed skating, showcasing their skills and determination on the international stage. As the competition wraps up, the athletes leave with invaluable experience and memories from their time at the Bakuriani 2025 EYOF.

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Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Ice Hockey Semifinals Overview

On February 9, 2025, the Tbilisi Ice Arena hosted a pair of highly anticipated semifinals in the girls’ ice hockey tournament at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Bakuriani. The Czech Republic faced Sweden in a dominant display, while Finland battled Slovakia in a closely contested match.

Czech Republic vs. Sweden: A One-Sided Affair
Czechia secured their place in the final with a resounding 10-2 victory over Sweden. The match began strongly for the Czechs, who took an early lead and never looked back.

In the first period, Czechia established a commanding 4-0 lead with goals from E. Jarabkova, L. Sindelarova, E. Rosenbaumova, and A. Mynarikova. The Czech team showcased their offensive prowess, outshooting Sweden 10-8 while also capitalising on their power plays, scoring one power play goal during the period.

Sweden managed to mount a response in the second period, netting two goals from E. Hessellvall. However, Czechia maintained their momentum, scoring three more times and ending the period 7-2 in their favour. The final period saw Czechia add three more goals, with a standout performance from E. Rosenbaumova, who finished the game with four goals, demonstrating her exceptional skill and positioning throughout the match.

The final statistics highlighted Czechia’s dominance, with 39 shots on goal compared to Sweden’s 23. Goalkeeper Lili Chmelarova made 21 saves, further solidifying the Czech defence.

Match Summary: CZE 10 – 2 SWE
– Period Scores: 4-0, 3-2, 3-0
– Shots on Goal: CZE 39, SWE 23

Finland vs. Slovakia: A Battle to Remember
In a more tightly contested semifinal, Finland and Slovakia ended the match in a 2-2 draw after three periods, leading to a tense battle in overtime.

The first period was scoreless, but Slovakia took the lead in the second with goals from M. Letasi and N. Cellarova, putting them ahead 2-1 after Finland initially opened the scoring with K. Junnila’s goal. Finland responded with a late equaliser from E. Loponen in the third period, forcing the match into overtime.

The game statistics reflected a balanced contest, with Slovakia slightly outshooting Finland 21-14. Both goalkeepers, Aino Maattanen for Finland and Sofia Hajnalova for Slovakia, performed admirably, making crucial saves to keep their teams in contention.

Match Summary: FIN 2 – 2 SVK (FIN wins in OT)
– Period Scores: 0-0, 1-2, 1-0
– Shots on Goal: FIN 19, SVK 21

With these results, Czechia will face Finland in the gold medal match, while Sweden and Slovakia will compete for bronze. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the ice hockey tournament at the Bakuriani 2025 EYOF.

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

On 8 February 2025, the Tbilisi Ice Arena witnessed a gripping encounter in the girls’ ice hockey tournament as Slovakia (SVK) faced Switzerland (SUI) in a closely contested match. Slovakia emerged victorious with a final score of 4-3 after overtime, marking a significant moment in Group A of the competition.

Match Summary

The game commenced with both teams displaying aggressive tactics, with Slovakia taking an early lead in the first period. Natalia Gero netted the first goal for Slovakia at 08:01 during a power play, assisted by Emma Plvanova. However, Switzerland quickly equalised with a goal from Anais Rohner just 51 seconds later, also on a power play.

In the second period, Switzerland took control as Sarah Mettler and Maelia Vauclair scored, giving the Swiss a 3-2 lead. Slovakia fought back with a goal from Nela Tischlerova, which narrowed the deficit to one goal before the end of the second period.

The third period saw Slovakia’s Greta Konradova score at 57:50, tying the game at 3-3 and forcing the match into overtime. The tension escalated in the extra period, but it was Nela Tischlerova who clinched the win for Slovakia at just 15 seconds into overtime, securing the 4-3 victory.

Key Statistics

– Shots on Goal: Slovakia had 16 shots while Switzerland managed 12.
– Power Plays: Both teams converted one power play opportunity, with Slovakia scoring once in two attempts.
– Penalties: The match featured a total of six penalties, with Slovakia serving four minutes and Switzerland two.

Players to Note

– Slovakia: Nela Tischlerova was a standout performer with two goals, including the decisive overtime goal. Goaltender Daniela Sufliarska made crucial saves throughout the game, stopping 12 of 16 shots.
– Switzerland: Anais Rohner and Maelia Vauclair each contributed significantly with goals, demonstrating strong offensive skills despite the loss.

Group Standings

Following this match, the Group A standings are as follows:

1. Czech Republic (CZE) – 6 points
2. Slovakia (SVK) – 4 points
3. Switzerland (SUI) – 1 point

The tournament continues with high expectations as teams vie for top positions in their respective groups, showcasing the rising talent in European youth ice hockey.

Other Matches

In a contrasting display earlier in the day, Sweden (SWE) dominated Italy (ITA) with a staggering 20-2 victory. Swedish players showcased remarkable skill and teamwork, with standout performances from Ebba Hesselvall, who scored four goals, and Greta Johansson, who added three to her tally.

As the competition progresses, the excitement builds around the remaining fixtures, with teams eager to secure their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival.

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Bakuriani 2025 EYOF: Ice Hockey Action Highlights

The Ice Hockey competitions at the Bakuriani 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) kicked off with two notable matches on 7 February 2025. In the first encounter, the Czech team displayed a dominant performance against Switzerland, winning 6-0. Later, Finland overwhelmed Italy with a resounding 18-0 victory. Here are the key highlights and results from both games.

Czech Republic vs Switzerland: 6-0

In the opening match of the day held at the Tbilisi Ice Arena, the Czech Republic faced off against Switzerland. The Czechs proved their superiority from the start, scoring four goals in the first period alone.

The scoring began early with Dana Brezinova netting the first goal just under two minutes into the match, followed by two power-play goals from Rozalie Sale and Amalie Karaskova, showcasing Czechia’s tactical prowess. The period ended with a score of 4-0, and the Swiss team struggled to respond, managing only five shots on goal compared to the Czechs’ 14.

The second period saw Czechia continue their offensive onslaught, adding two more goals, including a second goal from Brezinova. Despite the Swiss defence tightening, they were unable to score, and the period concluded at 6-0. The third period ended scoreless, but Switzerland’s goalkeeper Norina Schrupkowski had a busy game, making 22 saves, while Czechia’s Lili Chmelarova recorded an impressive shutout with five saves.

Key Statistics:
– Final Score: Czech Republic 6 – 0 Switzerland
– Shots on Goal: CZE 41, SUI 5
– Power Plays Goal: CZE 3, SUI 0

Finland vs Italy: 18-0

The second match of the day saw Finland face Italy in another one-sided affair. The Finnish team showcased their offensive capabilities by scoring six goals in the first period alone.

Anna Pohjola started the scoring spree, followed by contributions from Kaisa Tapani and Kiia Arvolla, who each scored multiple times throughout the match. Finland’s relentless attack overwhelmed Italy, who could only manage a few shots on goal—totaling just eight across the entire match.

The second period was equally dominant, with Finland adding seven more goals, including a hat trick from Tapani. The third period saw Finland continue their scoring, with another five goals, bringing their total to an astounding 18. Italy’s goalkeepers, Veronica Montanino and Katia Polloni, faced a barrage of shots, with Montanino making 22 saves throughout the game.

Key Statistics:

• – Final Score: Finland 18 – 0 Italy
• – Shots on Goal: FIN 40, ITA 0
• – Power Plays Goals: FIN 2, ITA 0

Group Standings:

After the first day of competition, the standings in Group A and Group B show the Czech Republic and Finland leading their respective groups with impressive goal differences, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.

– Group A:
1. Czech Republic: 2 GP, 2 W, 0 L, 6 PTS, GF: 10, GA: 0
2. Slovakia: 1 GP, 0 W, 1 L, 1 PTS, GF: 0, GA: 4
3. Switzerland: 1 GP, 0 W, 1 L, 0 PTS, GF: 0, GA: 6

– Group B:
1. Finland: 2 GP, 2 W, 0 L, 6 PTS, GF: 23, GA: 2
2. Sweden: 1 GP, 0 W, 1 L, 0 PTS, GF: 2, GA: 5
3. Italy: 1 GP, 0 W, 1 L, 0 PTS, GF: 0, GA: 18

The action will continue as teams strive for top positions in the knockout stages of the tournament.

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Ice Hockey Chronicles from Bakuriani 2025 EYOF

Date: February 6, 2025
Venue: Tbilisi Ice Arena
Event: Ice Hockey – Girls’ Group Stage

The opening day of ice hockey competition at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Bakuriani showcased two thrilling matches, setting the tone for an exciting tournament.

Match 1: Czech Republic vs. Slovakia

In the first game of the day, Czech Republic faced off against Slovakia, delivering a solid performance that culminated in a decisive 4-0 victory. The Czech team demonstrated dominance from the outset, scoring three goals in the opening period.

Key Highlights:
– First Period: The Czech Republic seized the momentum early. Lucie Sindelarova opened the scoring at 2:33, followed by goals from Alena Luxembourgova at 9:41 and Adela Mynarikova at 14:50, pushing the score to 3-0 before the first intermission.
– Second Period: The Czechs maintained control, with Ellen Jarabkova adding a fourth goal at 34:53, solidifying their lead. Despite several penalties, the Czech Republic’s defense held firm, and Slovakia failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
– Final Score: Czech Republic 4, Slovakia 0.

Official Statistics:
– Shots on Goal: CZE 15, SVK 4
– Power Play Opportunities: CZE 0, SVK 0
– Goalkeepers: Stella Gabriilova (CZE, 3 saves) and Sofia Hajnalova (SVK, 11 saves).

Match 2: Finland vs. Sweden

The second match saw Finland take on Sweden in a thrilling contest that ended with Finland emerging victorious, 5-2.

Key Highlights:
– First Period: A scoreless first period saw both teams testing each other’s defenses, with Sweden edging slightly ahead in shots on goal (9-6).
– Second Period: The game turned dramatically in favor of Finland, who scored four goals in this period. Emmi Loponen, Viivi Ruonakoski, Netta Siitonen, and Viola Karkkainen each found the back of the net, building a commanding 4-0 lead.
– Third Period: Sweden fought back, scoring two goals through Ebba Hesselvall and Filippa Fernstrom. However, Finland’s early lead proved insurmountable.

Official Statistics:
– Shots on Goal: FIN 15, SWE 31
– Power Play Goals: FIN 1, SWE 0
– Goalkeepers: Aino Maattanen (FIN, 15 saves) and Alva Persson (SWE, 27 saves).

Standings Overview
Group A:
1. Czech Republic (1-0, 3 points, +4)
2. Slovakia (0-1, 0 points, -4)

Group B:
1. Finland (1-0, 3 points, +2)
2. Sweden (0-1, 0 points, -2)

As the ice hockey tournament progresses, both the Czech Republic and Finland have made strong statements with their opening wins. Fans can look forward to more competitive matches as teams vie for supremacy in the coming days.

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Today marks one month until the Opening Ceremony of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025, being held from 9-16 February 2025. 

Bakuriani 2025 will place Georgia firmly at the heart of winter sports as it hosts 2,000 of the most talented European athletes aged 14 to 18.  

Held across eight days, the Winter EYOF will bring together young athletes from across Europe, providing them with a first experience of a multi-sport event and the opportunity to embrace the Olympic values.  

The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Kids Ski Arena in Bakuriani on 9 February, featuring a parade of the athletes and the lighting of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Cauldron with the Flame of Peace. 

The Flame of Peace was lit by Georgian athletes Anastasia Mirianashvili and Nikoloz Egadze, and the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee President Mamuka Khabareli at a spectacular ceremony in Rome last month. 

There are eight sports on the programme at Bakuriani 2025, with events taking place across three different cities in Georgia. 

Bakuriani will host biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding and Alpine skiing. Ice hockey will be held at the Leader Arena in Tbilisi, while figure skating and short track speed skating will be held in Batumi.  

Georgia previously hosted a successful Summer EYOF in Tbilisi in 2015, but this year marks the first Winter edition held in the country.