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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

Aoife O’Rourke crowned World Champion in Liverpool after her European Games 2023 gold

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in EG, BOX, European Games, Istambul 2027. No Comments on Aoife O’Rourke crowned World Champion in Liverpool after her European Games 2023 gold

Liverpool, September 2025.
The 2025 World Boxing Championships, staged at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, concluded its inaugural edition under the organisation of World Boxing with strong European performances. While Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan dominated the overall medal table, the spotlight fell firmly on Aoife O’Rourke , who delivered a historic gold for Ireland and cemented her status as an international star.

Ireland celebrates its leading figure

O’Rourke  produced an impeccable tournament, consolidating herself as a major force in amateur boxing. Her world title, combined with two additional bronze medals for the Irish team, underlines the strength of women’s boxing on the island and positions her as one of the leading contenders heading into the Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028.

Poland also reach the summit

Another highlight for Europe came courtesy of Aneta Rygielska, who secured gold for Poland after a fiercely contested final. Her triumph was accompanied by two silver medals, placing the Polish squad among the strongest in Europe.

England left without home glory

Hosts England delivered a competitive campaign but fell short of clinching a world title. Despite the backing of the Liverpool crowd and several boxers reaching the final stages, the team settled for two silvers and three bronzes – a respectable tally, though not the golden finish they had hoped for.

Turkey, Italy and continental depth

Turkey also impressed, claiming two silvers and a bronze, while Italy earned a valuable bronze medal to reinforce its international standing. Several other European nations added to the medal count, demonstrating the continent’s depth of talent.

A strong European showing

Although Central Asia topped the overall standings, Europe left Liverpool with a solid haul and two world champions leading the way. The triumphs of Amy Broadhurst for Ireland and Aneta Rygielska for Poland underline Europe’s continuing strength in amateur boxing and signal a promising start to the road towards Los Angeles 2028

Europe Meets on the Sand: European Beach Handball Championship 2025 Kicks Off in Alanya

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in HBL, EOC, European Games, GENDER, Istambul 2027, M, Olympic Movement, Summer Sports, TUR, W. No Comments on Europe Meets on the Sand: European Beach Handball Championship 2025 Kicks Off in Alanya

Alanya (Türkiye), 7 July 2025 – The Turkish coastal city of Alanya is set to host one of this summer’s most eagerly awaited European sporting events: the 2025 European Beach Handball Championship, where the continent’s top national teams will compete for the senior men’s and women’s titles.

Organised by the European Handball Federation (EHF), the tournament will take place from 8 to 13 July at the Alanya International Beach Sports Centre, located on the iconic Oba Beach. The venue has been specially prepared to welcome over 30 national delegations and hundreds of athletes.

Over the course of six days, 32 teams (16 women’s and 16 men’s) will battle it out in a format that includes a preliminary group stage, a main round and knockout matches, culminating in the finals on Sunday 13 July.

🌍 Continental Representation and Ambitions

This championship brings together the elite of European beach handball, with teams from over 20 countries, including traditional powerhouses such as Spain, Germany, France, Croatia, Hungary, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Norway and Sweden. Emerging nations such as Türkiye, Ukraine, Bulgaria and the Netherlands will also be competing, many of whom have shown marked progress in recent years.

In the women’s competition, the spotlight will be on Spain, three-time European champions (2002, 2006, 2017), who arrive in Alanya with an experienced and competitive squad. Denmark, the defending champions, and strong sides like Croatia and Germany are also tipped to reach the final stages.

In the men’s tournament, Croatia come in as firm favourites, with four European titles to their name (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015). However, the challenge will be stiff, with Germany, Poland and France fielding young, athletic squads. Italy and Hungary have also shown strong form in recent international competitions and could well cause an upset.

🏟️ Venue and Logistics

Matches will be held on six purpose-built sand courts along Alanya’s Mediterranean coastline. The sporting complex has been adapted to accommodate athletes, coaching staff and support teams, in what is expected to be one of the most demanding events of the beach handball season.

In addition to the competition areas, the site offers rest zones, medical facilities, hydration points, physiotherapy centres and shared spaces for athletes. The logistical operation is being coordinated jointly by the EHF and Turkish sports authorities, with a focus on efficiency and athlete well-being.

🔄 Competition Format

The championship kicks off on 8 July with the preliminary group stage (four groups of four teams per category). The top two from each group advance to the main round, while third and fourth-placed teams move into placement rounds.

From 12 July, the tournament will enter the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and finals, which will be held on Sunday 13 July.

Final rankings will play an important role in the European seedings and qualification routes for future world and intercontinental tournaments.

🥇 More Than Just a Title

This championship is not only a showcase for current talent, but also a strategic platform for the growth of beach handball in Europe. Increasingly incorporated into youth programmes and national development pathways, the discipline is on the rise across the continent.

Alanya’s selection as host city reflects its growing reputation as a hub for international beach sports. With its reliable climate, modern infrastructure and spectacular coastal setting, the city offers ideal conditions for elite-level competition.

The senior event also follows on directly from the successful Under-17 European Championship, held in the same venue from 3 to 6 July, where Spain and Germany claimed titles in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. This continuity strengthens Alanya’s position as Europe’s beach handball capital this summer.

📌 Key Dates – EHF Beach Handball EURO 2025

DateCompetition Stage
8 JulyOpening matches – Group stage begins
9–10 JulyGroup stage continues and Main Round
11 JulyFinal day of Main Round
12 JulyQuarter-finals and Semi-finals
13 JulyFinals and Medal Ceremonies

🏐 A Growing Discipline

With fast-paced rules, high-intensity action and a distinctive atmosphere, beach handball continues to carve out its place in Europe’s summer sporting calendar. The 2025 European Championship promises not only top-level competition but also a celebration of the sport’s growing appeal.

The EHF has invested considerable effort in ensuring the success of this edition, which is set to be a milestone for the discipline. With increased participation, organisational backing and the support of local authorities, the tournament in Alanya aims to elevate beach handball to new heights across the continent.

ROAD TO ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN GAMES 2027

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in European Games, Istambul 2027. No Comments on ROAD TO ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN GAMES 2027

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!