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Milano-Cortina 2026: Europe’s Next Generation Takes the Stage

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in Olympic Movement, Bakuriani 2025, Winter Sports. No Comments on Milano-Cortina 2026: Europe’s Next Generation Takes the Stage

7 November 2025
The countdown is on: 91 days to go until the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, and Europe’s new generation of winter athletes is ready to step into the spotlight.

After years of groundwork through the European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF) in Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2023 and Bakuriani 2025, the continent approaches these Games with depth, confidence and clear signs of renewal.

Italy’s Stage, Europe’s Moment

Milano-Cortina will bring together two worlds — the modern urban pulse of Milan and the Alpine heritage of Cortina d’Ampezzo — in a format that aims to be sustainable, connected and inclusive.
The Arena di Verona will host the closing ceremony, adding a touch of history and culture to a Games that symbolise both Italian excellence and European unity.

🏔️ From Friuli-Venezia Giulia to Bakuriani: The Pathway to the Podium

Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2023: Foundations of the Future

The EYOF in Friuli-Venezia Giulia launched this new cycle of talent. Young Europeans excelled in traditional and emerging disciplines — alpine skiing, biathlon, freestyle and snowboard — setting benchmarks that would carry into their national teams.
Nations like Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and France refined their youth systems there, turning promise into structure.

Bakuriani 2025: Confirmation of the Rebuild

In Bakuriani (Georgia), the next chapter unfolded. The 2025 EYOF showcased the evolution of that same generation — more technical, more adaptable, and more competitive than ever.
Under challenging conditions, Europe dominated once again, confirming the depth of its development networks from the Alps to the Caucasus.

🌍 Gangwon 2024: European Excellence on a Global Stage

At the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon (South Korea), Europe’s young athletes took control of the medal tables.
From Switzerland and Austria to France, Italy and Germany, the continent’s talent shone across alpine skiing, Nordic combined and biathlon. Those results were not isolated successes — they were a preview of what’s to come in 2026.

Gangwon became proof that Europe’s youth development programmes are not only consistent but world-leading, producing athletes ready to win on any stage.

⚡ The New DNA of European Winter Sport

This new generation brings a distinctive identity:

  • Multi-skilled: blending classical technique with freestyle creativity.
  • Data-driven: training with technology, analytics and mental preparation.
  • Internationally experienced: accustomed to Olympic settings before their senior debut.

They represent a Europe that competes with imagination and confidence — one that no longer waits for the future but builds it actively through structure and opportunity.

🔜 Towards Milano-Cortina 2026

As teams finalise their rosters and test events wrap up, Milano-Cortina is set to be a showcase of continuity and renewal.
The athletes who grew through Friuli-Venezia and Bakuriani, and triumphed in Gangwon, will arrive not as newcomers — but as the face of a new European era in winter sport.

Europe’s next champions are no longer on the horizon.
They are already here.

Less than a year to Dakar 2026: Africa prepares to make history with the Youth Olympic Games

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in Summer Sports, Olympic Movement, Skopje 2025. No Comments on Less than a year to Dakar 2026: Africa prepares to make history with the Youth Olympic Games

3 November 2025 | With less than a year to go before the start of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the countdown has begun for an event that will mark a turning point in Olympic history — the first-ever Olympic Games to be held on African soil.

Under the motto “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates”, Senegal is getting ready to host more than 2,700 young athletes aged between 15 and 18, who will compete across 25 sports and 151 events from 31 October to 13 November 2026.

🌍 Three cities, one Olympic dream

The Games will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, three interconnected hubs currently undergoing rapid development.
The Stade du Sénégal in Diamniadio will serve as the heart of the event, hosting the opening ceremony and most athletics and team sport competitions.
On the coast, Saly will welcome emerging disciplines such as coastal rowing (Beach Sprints) and surfing, while central Dakar will come alive with breaking, basketball 3×3 and sport climbing.

🏅 A youthful, balanced and diverse programme

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed Dakar 2026 will maintain its inclusive spirit, ensuring full gender equality and introducing new disciplines designed to resonate with younger audiences.
Sports such as breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing will share the stage with Olympic classics including athletics, swimming, judo and rugby sevens.
In addition, the programme will feature 10 “mobilisation sports”, non-medal events aimed at encouraging local participation and spreading the Olympic spirit beyond competition.

🏗 Preparations progressing steadily

Preparations are advancing according to the master plan approved by the IOC and the Senegalese Organising Committee.
The Venue Master Plan has been finalised, with new facilities and refurbishments designed to leave a lasting legacy:

  • Modernisation of Iba Mar Diop Stadium in Dakar.
  • Construction of a new international aquatic centre in Diamniadio.
  • Major road and transport improvements linking the three host cities.

The President of the Organising Committee, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, said:

“Dakar 2026 will not only be a celebration of sport but an opportunity to showcase Africa’s talent and hospitality to the world.”

🧒 Beyond sport: legacy and youth

Dakar 2026 aims to go far beyond competition. Its legacy programmes include education, sustainability and youth training initiatives, with more than 400 young Senegalese currently being trained in event management and sports administration.
The concept of “Teranga”, Senegal’s renowned culture of hospitality, will be a defining feature for athletes, volunteers and visitors alike.

⏱ The clock is ticking

During the “One Year to Go” celebration held in October, organisers unveiled the official mascot, Ayo — a young lion symbolising the energy, optimism and strength of Africa’s youth.
The event featured live music, traditional dance and heartfelt messages from aspiring Senegalese athletes dreaming of competing on home soil.

🗣 A global celebration of the future

With just 12 months to go, the Olympic spirit is already palpable across Africa. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games promise not only a world-class sporting spectacle but also a powerful message of unity, equality and hope.

📅 Dakar 2026 at a glance

Key FactsDetails
Dates31 October – 13 November 2026
Host citiesDakar, Diamniadio, Saly
Athletes2,700 (aged 15–18)
Sports25 core + 10 mobilisation disciplines
Events151 (72 men’s, 72 women’s, 7 mixed)
Mascot“Ayo”, the young lion
MottoAfrica welcomes, Dakar celebrates
Host countrySenegal

Europe shines bright in Jakarta: continental success at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in Istambul 2027, EYOF, Olympic Movement, Sports. No Comments on Europe shines bright in Jakarta: continental success at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

Jakarta, Indonesia – October 27, 2025 | Europe delivered a strong, determined performance at the 53rd World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held in Jakarta from October 19 to 25. Although Asian and American gymnasts captured most of the gold medals, European nations once again proved their class, precision, and resilience — earning podiums and finals that reaffirm the continent’s global standing.

🥇The United Kingdom leads the European charge

Team GB was the standout performer for Europe in Jakarta, securing a total of five medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).

The star of the competition was Jake Jarman, who delivered a sensational routine on floor exercise to claim gold with 14.866 points. His teammate Luke Whitehouse followed closely with silver, giving Britain an unprecedented one-two finish.

Jarman continued his fine form in vault, where he added another silver, while Courtney Tulloch earned bronze on still rings, and Alice Kinsella closed Britain’s tally with bronze on balance beam.

“It’s a great moment for British gymnastics,” said Jarman. “We’re showing that Europe can be on top — and that our generation can lead the way to Paris 2028.”

These results mark one of the best world championships in British history and confirm Team GB as the leading European program in artistic gymnastics.

🥈Turkey makes history in rings

Turkish gymnastics continues to rise thanks to Adem Asil, who claimed silver on still rings with a score of 14.566. His powerful strength elements and controlled dismount earned Turkey its first world medal since 2023, underlining the country’s growing consistency at elite level.

Head coach Suat Çelik noted: “Adem’s medal shows that Turkey is not an outsider anymore — we are now part of Europe’s leading nations.”

🥉A breakthrough for Switzerland

Switzerland celebrated a historic achievement as Noe Seifert captured the bronze medal in the men’s all-around final. His balanced performance across all six apparatuses placed him behind Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto and China’s Zhang Boheng — a remarkable result that revived Swiss gymnastics on the world stage.

🥉Ukraine returns to the podium

Ukraine also joined the European medal table, with Illia Kovtun taking bronze on parallel bars. Known for his elegant swing technique and precise transitions, Kovtun continues to carry the Ukrainian flag high in men’s artistic gymnastics, securing another world medal for his nation.

🏅 European medal summary – Jakarta 2025

Country🥇 Gold🥈 Silver🥉 BronzeTotal
United Kingdom1225
Turkey0101
Switzerland0011
Ukraine0011

Europe finishes the championship with eight total medals, spreading success across four nations and showing balanced strength between Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.

🔮 A solid path to LA2028

The results in Jakarta highlight a crucial shift for European gymnastics: depth, quality, and innovation are paying off.

Three key takeaways for the continent’s road to Paris 2028:

  1. Consistency pays – Britain and Turkey have built steady systems producing world-class routines year after year.
  2. New nations rise – Switzerland and Ukraine prove that strong fundamentals can lead to podiums.
  3. Women’s gymnastics grows – the D’Amato sisters (Italy), Naomi Visser (Netherlands), and Alice Kinsella (UK) show Europe’s female gymnasts are closing the gap in artistry and execution.

Sport Europe analysis: “The artistry remains European, the power is growing — and Paris 2028 could see Europe on top once again.”

Europe Shines at the 2025 Junior World Judo Championships in Lima

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Lima, Peru – The 2025 Junior World Judo Championships in Lima showcased some of the finest young jLima, Peru – From 5 to 7 October 2025, Lima hosted the Junior World Judo Championships, bringing together 463 young judokas from 65 countries. While Japan dominated much of the overall medal table, European athletes stood out with exceptional performances, demonstrating both depth and talent across multiple categories.

🥇 European Gold Medallists

Europe secured five gold medals from five countries:

  • Netherlands: Maria Hanstede triumphed in the −78 kg women’s category, executing a decisive yuko to claim the top podium spot.
  • Serbia: Achieved gold in a men’s category, underlining the country’s strong tradition in middle and heavyweight divisions.
  • France: Célia Cancan won the gold in the +78 kg women’s category, securing victory by ippon in the final.
  • Switzerland: April Lynn Fohouo claimed gold in the −70 kg women’s category, displaying remarkable consistency and technical skill.
  • Georgia: Tornike Gigauri captured gold in the −66 kg men’s category, showcasing flawless technique and excellent control throughout the competition.

🥈 Silver Medallists

  • Spain: Secured silver in the −70 kg women’s category, reflecting the country’s growing strength in junior judo.
  • Germany: Took silver in a men’s category, demonstrating the depth and competitiveness of its youth programme.

🥉 Bronze Medallists

Several European countries reached the podium, with Azerbaijan serving as a notable example of the continent’s strength in the bronze medal positions.

🌍 European Performance Overview

In total, Europe finished with:

  • 5 gold medals: Netherlands, Serbia, France, Switzerland, Georgia
  • 2 silver medals: Spain and Germany
  • Multiple bronze medals, including Azerbaijan

These results underline Europe’s continuing prowess in junior judo and highlight a promising generation of athletes poised to succeed at senior world championships and future Olympic Games. The Championships in Lima confirmed that Europe remains a major force in the development of elite judo talent, combining skill, strategy, and determination.

Türkiye Dominates European Shooting Championships in Istanbul with Historic Performances

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in SHO, Istambul 2027, Olympic Movement, TUR. No Comments on Türkiye Dominates European Shooting Championships in Istanbul with Historic Performances

© ESC

Istanbul, 7 October 2025 — The 2025 European Air Shooting Championships, held from 1 to 5 October in Istanbul, concluded with an emphatic display of skill and teamwork by the Turkish (Türkiye) national team. Türkiye topped the medal table with three golds, one silver, and one bronze, thrilling local supporters and establishing itself as an emerging force in European shooting sports.

🏅 An Unstoppable National Team

The Türkiye team excelled across multiple events. In the air pistol pairs event, Şevval İlayda Tarhan and Esra Bozabalı secured the gold medal, outscoring strong teams from Italy and Germany. Tarhan also claimed a bronze in the individual air pistol competition, demonstrating her consistency and precision.

In air rifle pairs, the duo of Damla Köse and Elif Berfin Altun added another gold medal for Türkiye, completing a remarkable hat-trick of victories for the host nation. The collective achievements of the team reflect not only technical skill but also excellent coordination and composure under pressure.

🥇 Outstanding Individual Performances

The Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç, aged 52, once again amazed the world with his relaxed style and pinpoint accuracy. Known for competing without traditional equipment —no special glasses or ear protection— and often with one hand in his pocket, Dikeç claimed three gold medals in the air pistol team events. His calm attitude and minimalist approach have earned him the nickname “the man, the myth, the legend” on social media.

🏆 Home Advantage and Competitive Edge

The championship brought together over 100 of Europe’s top shooters in air rifle and air pistol disciplines. Competing in high-standard facilities in Istanbul, athletes faced intense competition from traditionally strong nations such as Germany, Italy, and France. Türkiye’s ability to perform consistently across multiple categories proved decisive in securing their position at the top of the standings.

The local audience contributed to an electric atmosphere, cheering each successful shot and celebrating the team’s achievements. Observers noted that the supportive home crowd appeared to boost the confidence and performance of Türkiye’s shooters throughout the five-day event.

© ESC

🔮 Looking Ahead

Türkiye’s performance in Istanbul signals a strong and growing presence in international shooting sports. With a combination of seasoned athletes and rising talent, the nation is expected to continue challenging for top honours at major competitions. The next milestone for the Türkiye team will be the 2026 World Shooting Championships, where expectations are high for continued success.

This championship has also highlighted the depth of Türkiye’s talent pool, the effectiveness of its training programmes, and the rising prominence of female athletes in the sport. The experience gained here will be invaluable as Türkiye seeks to maintain and expand its influence in European and world shooting competitions.

Read more at: https://esc-shooting.org

From Teen Dreams to Olympic Glory: The Future of Winter Sports

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in Bakuriani 2025, EOC, Olympic Movement, Winter Sports. No Comments on From Teen Dreams to Olympic Glory: The Future of Winter Sports

✨ The Piotr Nurowski Prize: celebrating the future of European sport ✨

Every year, the Piotr Nurowski Prize (PNP) reminds us that sport is not only about records and medals, but also about Olympic values, perseverance, and dreams come true. Since its creation in 2011, the award has placed the spotlight on young talents who are already shining on international stages.

🏆 A legacy of champions
Among the names that have become part of the PNP’s history are athletes who went from promising prospects to global stars:

  • In 2023, Finland’s Minja Korhonen captured the 9th Winter Prize after dominating Nordic combined.
  • Earlier this year, Hungary’s Viviana Márton, a rising taekwondo star, won the Summer edition in Frankfurt, proving that Piotr Nurowski’s legacy inspires athletes as much on the mats as it does on the snow.

These examples show how the PNP has become a springboard to the elite, but above all, a recognition of the passion and Olympic spirit of young athletes.

🔥 The five finalists winning fans’ hearts

🇺🇦 Yaroslav Lavreniuk – Skeleton

At just 16, Lavreniuk has already become the youngest ever competitor in a Skeleton World Cup race. The Ukrainian lives each run with intensity: speed, ice, and courage. In St. Moritz he was crowned under-20 world champion, and at Gangwon 2024 he won silver, proving that talent has no age limits. His story inspires an entire nation in challenging times, showing that young athletes can be symbols of hope and resilience.

🇪🇸 Unai López Sousa – Snowboard

The Spaniard is one of those riders who bring freedom and creativity to every jump. Raised in the mountains, he spent more time on his board than on solid ground from a young age. At 17 he already boasts double gold at the 2025 EYOF and a strong record on the European circuit. Beyond his spectacular tricks, Unai is admired for his team spirit: always supporting his teammates and sharing his achievements with the wider snowboarding community.

🇩🇪 Finn Sonnekalb – Speed Skating

Methodical, perfectionist, and ambitious: Sonnekalb epitomises the blend of talent and German discipline. On the ice he is unstoppable: three golds, one silver, and two bronzes at the Junior World Championships, alongside the overall Junior World Cup title. At Gangwon 2024 he claimed three more gold medals, cementing his reputation as both a star of the present and the future. Yet behind his competitive edge lies a grounded character, dedicating his victories to his family and team – a reminder that success is never achieved alone.

🇮🇹 Flora Tabanelli – Freestyle Skiing

The Italian is pure inspiration in motion. At 17 she was crowned World Champion in big air and has already secured FIS Crystal Globes in both big air and park & pipe. But Flora is more than results: she has become a youth icon in Italy, described as the “girl who smiles in the air”. Her charisma, energy, and fearlessness have made her a role model for young skiers everywhere. Her secret? As she puts it: “Don’t overthink – let passion guide every jump.”

🇧🇬 Malena Zamfirova – Snowboard

At only 15, Malena is the youngest of the group, yet already making waves. Her first World Cup medal came with a surprise silver in Krynica, proving she can stand with the very best. At the Junior World Championships in Zakopane she shone again with one gold and two silver medals, confirming her status as a prodigy. In Bulgaria she is known as “the diamond of the ice” and, despite her age, she already carries the responsibility of inspiring a new generation in a country where winter sports are still growing.

🌟 A gala with an Olympic future
On 3 October in Malta, the National Olympic Committees will vote to decide the winner of the 10th Winter Piotr Nurowski Prize. But beyond who takes home the trophy, all five athletes are already part of a tradition that celebrates excellence and Olympic values.

And if the present is thrilling, the future promises even more: in less than six months, the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will offer the perfect stage for many of these young talents to take the final step into the Olympic elite. The PNP makes one thing clear: the next generation is not only ready… they are here to shine on the world’s greatest sporting stage!

World Records, Shock Golds and a New European Generation Rising

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in ATH, European Games, Istambul 2027, Olympic Movement, Summer Sports. No Comments on World Records, Shock Golds and a New European Generation Rising

TOKYO — The 2025 Athletics World Championships are producing unforgettable moments, with European athletes stealing the spotlight at the top of the podium. Spain’s María Pérez’s dominant double victory in race walking, Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis breaking yet another world record in pole vault, and Italy’s Mattia Furlani making history in the long jump headline the championships so far.

🇪🇸 María Pérez completes historic race walking double

Granada-born María Pérez reaffirmed her global dominance in race walking. In extreme heat and humidity, she stormed to gold in the 35 km walk with a time of 2:39:01, claiming her third world title. Italy’s Antonella Palmisano, the Olympic champion, finished more than three minutes behind.

Just days later, Pérez extended her legend by also winning gold in the 20 km walk with a time of 1:25:54, completing a historic double in Tokyo and cementing her status as one of the all-time greats of the discipline.

📏 Duplantis soars to a new world record

Sweden’s Armand Duplantis once again wrote history in the Tokyo stadium. He cleared 6.30m to set a new pole vault world record, while securing his third world title. With this mark, Duplantis has now broken the world record an astonishing 14 times, underlining his place as one of the greatest talents athletics has ever seen.

🌟 Furlani, the youngest ever world long jump champion

Italy celebrated the rise of Mattia Furlani, just 20 years old, who claimed gold in the long jump with a personal best of 8.39m. The Italian became the youngest world champion in the event’s history. Already a medallist at the European Games, Furlani confirmed in Tokyo that he is the new star of the discipline.

🥇 Other European triumphs in Tokyo

  • Jimmy Gressier stuns in the 10,000m
    France’s Jimmy Gressier delivered one of the biggest shocks of the championships, taking gold in the 10,000m in 28:55.77, breaking African dominance. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren added to the European success with bronze — his first major international medal.
  • Isaac Nader takes 1500m gold
    In a thrilling final, Portugal’s Isaac Nader claimed the 1500m title, defeating Britain’s 2022 world champion Jake Wightman. The win signals Portugal’s emergence as a middle-distance powerhouse.
  • Ditaji Kambundji reigns in 100m hurdles
    Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji stormed to the world title in the 100m hurdles, setting a new national record. At just 23 years old, she has confirmed her rise as one of Europe’s sprinting stars.
  • Nadia Battocletti, Italy’s double medallist
    Italian distance runner Nadia Battocletti took silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m, establishing herself as one of the standout performers of the championships.
  • Femke Bol defends her crown in 400m hurdles
    The Dutch superstar confirmed her dominance by retaining her world title in the 400m hurdles.
  • Pedro Pichardo back on top in triple jump
    Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo reclaimed the world title with a superb 17.91m, returning his country to gold medal glory.
  • Leo Neugebauer leads Germany to decathlon gold
    The German all-rounder became world champion, proving his status as one of athletics’ most complete athletes.
  • Daniel Ståhl strikes gold in discus
    Sweden’s Daniel Ståhl once again showed his class, winning discus gold to extend Nordic dominance in the event.
  • More European medals in the field
    Germany’s Merlin Hummel took silver in hammer throw, while Hungary’s Bence Halász claimed bronze. Czech Jan Štefela also secured bronze in high jump.
  • Iliass Aouani brings marathon bronze for Italy
    Italy’s Iliass Aouani captured a historic bronze in the men’s marathon, rounding off a superb championships for the Azzurri.
  • Kate O’Connor wins historic silver for Ireland
    Ireland’s Kate O’Connor achieved a historic silver medal in heptathlon, with several personal bests. It marked Ireland’s first track medal at a World Championships in decades.

Europe is enjoying an especially brilliant World Championships, with established stars like Pérez and Duplantis shining alongside young talents such as Furlani, Gressier, Kambundji, Battocletti and O’Connor, symbolising the generational shift at the very top of world athletics

Spain make history in Gwangju as Europe enjoy their brightest Archery World Championships

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Gwangju (South Korea), 11 September 2025.
The 2025 Archery World Championships have written an unprecedented chapter in the sport’s history. For the first time since the mixed recurve team event was introduced in 2011, a European pair struck gold: Elia Canales and Andrés Temiño. The Spaniards stunned the home favourites, An San and Kim Woo-jin, ending South Korea’s seven-title streak in the discipline.

The victory was hailed as a landmark both in Spain and across the continent. “This triumph proves that Europe can compete on equal terms with the nations that have traditionally dominated this sport,” said Canales after the final. Temiño called it “a before-and-after moment for Spanish archery”.

📸RFETA

European highlights in Gwangju

Spain’s golden feat was the headline act, but other European nations also left their mark on the championships:

  • Germany claimed bronze in the women’s recurve team event, defeating India in a dramatic shoot-off.
  • Italy, a traditional powerhouse, reached the men’s recurve team semi-finals, falling narrowly to South Korea in a match decided by just two points.
  • In compound archery, the Netherlands’ Mike Schloesser confirmed his reputation as one of the world’s finest, battling through to the men’s individual semi-finals and securing bronze.
  • France also impressed, reaching the quarter-finals in the mixed recurve event before being knocked out by Spain.

A championship that shifts the balance

Until now, South Korea had exercised near-total dominance in recurve, while the United States and Mexico tended to share the spoils in compound. Yet Gwangju 2025 marked a change in narrative: Europe is no longer a hopeful challenger but an established contender.

Spain’s historic triumph stands as a beacon for the continent. “This result gives confidence to all European teams. It’s no longer about dreaming of beating Korea, but about knowing it can be done,” a World Archery official remarked after the competition.

The 2025 World Championships will be remembered not only for Spain’s breakthrough but also for a wider European resurgence that signals a new chapter in the global balance of power in archery.

Lithuania and the Netherlands reign in Copenhagen 🏀🔥

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From 5 to 7 September, Copenhagen became the world capital of urban basketball with the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2025. Thousands of fans gathered in the city’s central square to enjoy three days of thrilling games, live music and family activities.

📌 Key results

  • Men’s champions: Lithuania defeated Latvia 21-17 in the final to win their first ever European title in the discipline. Ignas Vaitkus was named MVP of the tournament after scoring 8 crucial points in the gold medal match.
  • Women’s champions: The Netherlands confirmed their dominance by beating Azerbaijan 21-16. Dutch star Noortje Driessen scored 11 points in the final to lead her team to continental gold.
  • Men’s bronze medallists: Italy overcame Germany 22-15, claiming their first European podium finish since 2016.
  • Women’s bronze medallists: Spain defeated France 21-15 thanks to a standout performance from Sandra Ygueravide, who contributed 8 points.

🎶 More than just basketball

The tournament delivered more than sporting drama. Fans also enjoyed:

  • Freestyle and dunk shows.
  • Basketball clinics for children and young people.
  • Concerts and DJ sets accompanying each day’s action.
  • Open shooting and skills contests in which spectators could join in.

🔥 A growing sport

The Europe Cup 2025 once again underlined why 3×3 basketball is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the world. With its dynamic format, its connection to urban culture and its appeal to younger generations, 3×3 is consolidating itself as more than a sport: a global movement.

Lithuania also celebrated the success of its men’s team at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), where they were crowned 3×3 champions. A historic double that confirms the strength of Lithuanian basketball across all categories

Golden Summer for European Sport

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🌍 European Olympic Summer: Success, Records and Rising Stars

The summer of 2025 will be remembered as a golden season for European sport. From the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra to Duplantis’ world record in Budapest, via the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje and the junior championships in athletics and swimming, the continent has enjoyed months filled with competition, organisation of the highest level and historic achievements.

🏔️ Andorra shines as host of the Games of the Small States of Europe

Andorra la Vella staged the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), bringing together more than 800 athletes from nine nations. Over five days, the city turned into a vibrant sporting hub that blended competition, camaraderie and a festive atmosphere.

The verdict was unanimous: the 2025 GSSE were an organisational triumph. Delegations praised the hospitality and the standard of the facilities, while the European Olympic Committees underlined the importance of the event as a platform for the sporting development of Europe’s micro-nations.

🏅 Skopje makes history with record-breaking Youth Olympic Festival

From 20 to 26 July, Skopje (North Macedonia) hosted the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), which became the largest in history. With more than 4,000 athletes from nearly 50 National Olympic Committees, the event broke records for both participation and number of sports contested.

But it wasn’t only the scale that impressed. On the track, the competition delivered a remarkable highlight: a new world under-18 record in girls pole vault, a symbol of the bright future awaiting European athletics. For the EOC, Skopje 2025 confirmed the EYOF as a cornerstone for the growth of youth sport on the continent.

🚀 Duplantis keeps flying higher

Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis once again captured the headlines at the István Gyulai Memorial in Budapest, clearing 6.29 metres to set the 13th world record of his career.

At just 25 years of age, Duplantis has already secured his place in the history books. His ability to repeatedly raise the bar — literally and figuratively — has made him not only the face of European athletics but also a source of inspiration for young athletes worldwide.

👟 European U20 Athletics: young talents step into the spotlight

The European U20 Championships in Tampere (Finland) highlighted the strength of the next generation. A series of championship records were set, particularly in middle-distance races, hurdles and combined events.

The quality on display suggested that many of these athletes are ready to compete at senior level. Tampere once again proved its reputation as the ideal stage for showcasing Europe’s rising track and field stars.

🏊 Junior Swimming Championships in Šamorín: the pool of the future

Šamorín (Slovakia) hosted the European Junior Swimming Championships, where Europe’s young swimmers delivered outstanding performances. Great Britain topped the medal table with 19 medals, including nine golds, confirming their dominance at junior level.

Poland’s Filip Nowacki was among the standout performers, breaking the European junior record in breaststroke, while Ireland’s Grace Davison clocked a new absolute national record in the 100m freestyle. The event left no doubt that Europe’s swimming pipeline is brimming with talent.

🤺 Fencing World Championships in Tbilisi: Georgia’s golden moment

The World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi placed Europe firmly in the spotlight once again. The home crowd celebrated as Sandro Bazadze won Georgia’s first ever world title in men’s sabre, a historic achievement for the nation.

France and Ukraine also secured podium finishes across different categories, further underlining Europe’s dominance in one of the Olympic movement’s most traditional sports.

📌 Conclusion: a golden summer for European sport

The GSSE in Andorra and the EYOF in Skopje confirmed Europe’s ability to stage large-scale events while fostering youth sport. The U20 athletics and junior swimming championships revealed a generation of athletes ready to make the leap to senior level, while established stars such as Duplantis and Europe’s fencing elite showed the continent’s ongoing supremacy.

All told, the summer of 2025 has reaffirmed Europe’s position as the driving force of the Olympic movement — a continent with not only a glorious present but also an extraordinarily bright future