Europe defines its presence at Milano Cortina 2026
26 January
European delegations for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are now largely confirmed. According to official data from National Olympic Committees, Italy, as the host nation, leads European participation with 193 athletes (101 men and 92 women), followed by Germany with 184 competitors and Switzerland with 175.
Other major countries include France (156 athletes), Czech Republic (114) and Sweden (111). Although minor adjustments may occur due to reallocation of quotas before the Games begin on 6 February 2026, no significant changes are expected in the overall size of the delegations. These figures underline Europe’s strong presence at the Winter Olympic Games.
Final countdown: less than 10 days to go, the torch on its final stretch and venues ready
28 January
Milano-Cortina 2026 is entering its decisive phase. With less than 10 days until the opening ceremony, the Olympic torch is progressing along its final route, symbolising unity, effort and the Olympic values across Europe.
At the same time, competition venues and Olympic infrastructure are undergoing their final preparations, with organising committees, federations and authorities working closely to ensure a smooth Games and the best possible experience for athletes and spectators.
With just over a year to go until the start of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, several European national teams have already begun to officially confirm some of their athletes, particularly in team sports and in disciplines with closed qualification calendars. While most final rosters will not be announced until weeks before the event, a number of high-profile names are already clearly on track to be part of the Olympic stage.
Official confirmations
Ice hockey: Sweden leads the way
VANO
The Swedish men’s national ice hockey team has become one of the first European sides to announce an official list of 25 players for the Olympic tournament. The Nordic team is relying on a blend of Olympic experience and established talent from European and North American leagues, sending a clear signal of early preparation for Milano-Cortina 2026.
Figure skating: Great Britain
In figure skating, Lewis Gibson has been confirmed as a member of the British team, consolidating his status as one of Great Britain’s leading ice dance athletes and one of the first names officially secured for the Games.
Skeleton: British leadership
Britain’s Matt Weston, current overall Skeleton World Cup champion, is shaping up as one of Europe’s strongest contenders in the discipline. His dominance on the international circuit places him among the athletes virtually assured of representing Great Britain in 2026.
European athletes with a high probability of selection
Beyond the official confirmations, several European nations already have athletes who, based on recent results and secured quotas, are highly likely to compete at the Olympic Games, pending formal ratification by their respective federations.
Norway
The Nordic powerhouse is once again expected to play a leading role in winter sports. Among the names topping current projections are:
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (cross-country skiing)
Sturla Holm Lægreid (biathlon)
Heidi Weng and Tiril Udnes Weng (cross-country skiing)
Hallgeir Engebråten (speed skating)
Switzerland and Germany
In ice hockey, nations such as Switzerland and Germany are already working with well-defined elite cores. Players like Roman Josi (Switzerland) and Leon Draisaitl (Germany) feature prominently in Olympic projections, awaiting final confirmation.
Belgium and Poland
Belgium has already secured participation in speed skating, led by athletes such as Bart Swings and Hanne Desmet.
Poland has obtained quotas across several disciplines (skating, biathlon, skiing and snowboarding) and has begun to announce its first names on a progressive basis.
A process still ongoing
The International Olympic Committee and national federations have reiterated that, in most individual sports, quota allocation comes before the final selection of athletes. As a result, many European teams will wait for national championships, internal selection criteria or the conclusion of the winter season before confirming their final Olympic rosters.
With Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as host cities, the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, and Europe is once again expected to play a central role both in terms of participation numbers and medal ambitions.
SportEurope will continue to report on official confirmations and follow the progress of European teams on their road to Milano-Cortina 2026.
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.
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.
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
🥉 Bronze
Total
United Kingdom
1
2
2
5
Turkey
0
1
0
1
Switzerland
0
0
1
1
Ukraine
0
0
1
1
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:
Consistency pays – Britain and Turkey have built steady systems producing world-class routines year after year.
New nations rise – Switzerland and Ukraine prove that strong fundamentals can lead to podiums.
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.”
Zadar (Croatia), 14 October 2025 — The Krešimir Ćosić Arena in Zadar has become the beating heart of European table tennis as the 2025 European Team Championships get underway. From 14 to 19 October, the Croatian coastal city will host 24 men’s and 24 women’s national teams competing for continental glory.
🔹 Europe’s Elite Gather in Croatia
Organised by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), the event marks the long-awaited return of the team format to the Balkans. The opening ceremony featured all 48 teams parading before a packed arena, setting an electric atmosphere for a week of top-level competition.
🔹 Format and World Championship Qualification
The tournament begins with eight groups of three teams. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final on 19 October. Beyond the European title, the top 16 teams overall will also secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Team Championships, to be held in London.
🔹 Favourites and Contenders
In the men’s competition, Sweden enters as the defending champion and top favourite, with Truls Möregårdh, Mattias Falck, and Anton Källberg leading the squad. Germany, France, Portugal, and Slovenia are expected to be strong challengers.
On the women’s side, Germany defends the crown it captured in Malmö 2023, while Romania, France, Hungary, and Poland aim to challenge their dominance. Several younger national teams will be looking to make their mark in Zadar. Among other notable contenders are Spain, England, Italy, and Croatia, all targeting a place in the knockout stage and a spot at the 2026 Worlds.
🔹 A Historic Host Venue
The Krešimir Ćosić Arena, with capacity for more than 9,000 spectators, is hosting a European Table Tennis Championships for the first time. Regarded as one of the most modern sports venues in the Balkans, it offers a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and atmosphere. The city of Zadar, known for its rich cultural heritage and passion for sport, has also prepared a series of cultural and community events to complement the competition, highlighting its role as a true European table tennis hub.
🔹 Broadcast
All matches are available via ETTU.tv, with international coverage and full replays available on demand.
The championship runs from 14 to 19 October 2025 at the Krešimir Ćosić Arena in Zadar, Croatia, featuring 24 men’s and 24 women’s national teams. Organised by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), the tournament not only crowns Europe’s top teams but also provides the top 16 squads with automatic qualification for the 2026 World Team Championships in London.
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.
🌍 Europe on Wheels: UCI Road World Championships 2025 Make History in Kigali 29 September 2025
Kigali (Rwanda), 21–28 September 2025 – For the first time in history, the Road Cycling World Championships were held in Africa. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, became the epicentre of world cycling for a week, bringing together the best elite, under-23, and junior riders in time trials and road races. With challenging routes combining mountain climbs, technical descents, and urban circuits, the African city offered a unique setting for an unforgettable World Championships.
The organisation and logistics were up to the standard of such a major event: hydration zones, medical assistance, technical areas for teams, and live coverage via social media and specialised outlets allowed fans to follow every pedal stroke closely.
🌍 Continental Representation and Ambitions More than 50 nations took part, with Europe presenting a strong block of established stars and rising talents. Expectations were high: to maintain European hegemony in world cycling, which was ultimately achieved in all events except the elite women’s road race, where Canadian Magdeleine Vallieres broke the continental streak.
Among the elite men, Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) confirmed his superstar status, winning his second consecutive road race title. In the time trial, Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) consolidated his dominance with his third consecutive gold. Among the young talents, Zoe Bäckstedt (Great Britain) and Paula Ostiz (Spain) demonstrated that the future of European cycling is secure.
🚴 Venue and Logistics Kigali presented a unique challenge: undulating, technical roads with several demanding climbs that tested both physical endurance and race strategy. The city delivered flawless logistics, including security, hydration, medical support, technical zones for teams, and international media coverage. The World Championships also served as a showcase for Rwanda, demonstrating its capacity to host global sporting events.
🔄 Competition Format The championship included:
Individual time trial: elite, under-23, and junior, men and women
Mixed team relay: elite
Road races: elite, under-23, and junior, men and women
Each category featured qualifying sessions and line races, concluding with medal ceremonies for each event. The format allowed both the exhibition of individual power in the time trial and team tactics and sprint finishes in the road races.
🚴 Highlights – Elite Categories
Time Trial
Elite men: Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) claimed his third consecutive gold, cementing his reputation as a time-trial specialist.
Elite women: Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) realised her dream of wearing the rainbow jersey after an impeccable performance.
Mixed team relay: Australia took gold, while France secured silver, keeping Europe on the podium.
Road Race
Elite men: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) made a memorable break on the final climb, securing the title ahead of Remco Evenepoel and Ireland’s Ben Healy.
Elite women: Magdeleine Vallieres (Canada) delivered a decisive attack 20 km from the finish, interrupting European dominance.
🌱 Young Talents on the Rise
Under-23 time trial: Zoe Bäckstedt (GBR) and Joris Nieuwenhuis (NED) dominated their categories with authority.
Junior time trial: Paula Ostiz (ESP) took silver in the women’s race, while the Netherlands topped the men’s podium.
Under-23 and junior road races: France, the Netherlands, and Spain shared golds, demonstrating Europe’s depth of talent and generational consistency.
These results confirm Europe’s capacity to maintain dominance and ensure a steady stream of emerging talent that will continue to set the pace in world cycling over the next decade.
🔥 Tactical and Strategic Notes The Kigali World Championships were not only a physical challenge but also a tactical one. The technical routes and strategic climbs forced teams to coordinate attacks, blocks, and rotations with precision. Time trials demanded sustained power and aerodynamic control, while line races tested riders’ race-reading skills and mental endurance.
Vallieres’ triumph in the women’s road race demonstrated that surprises are always possible, while Europe’s consistency highlighted that preparation and team depth remain decisive factors at the elite level.
📊 Continental Balance Europe dominated the Championships: 12 golds, 8 silvers, and 7 bronzes, with only one exception in the elite women’s road race. The Netherlands stood out with 4 golds, while Belgium, France, and Great Britain also excelled on the medal table.
País
Oro
Plata
Bronce
Total
Países Bajos
2
1
1
4
Gran Bretaña
2
0
0
2
Francia
1
2
1
4
Bélgica
1
1
2
4
España
1
1
2
4
Suiza
1
1
2
4
Italia
1
1
1
3
Eslovenia
1
0
0
1
Suecia
1
0
0
1
📸 Gallery Highlights
Tadej Pogačar celebrating his victory in the elite men’s road race
Marlen Reusser in action during the elite women’s time trial
Zoe Bäckstedt on the podium for the under-23 women’s time trial
Official images shared by the UCI on social media captured both the intensity of the competition and the excitement of the podiums, as well as the festive atmosphere in Kigali.
🏁 A Historic Championship The 2025 Kigali Road Cycling World Championships will be remembered not only for its unprecedented location in Africa but also for confirming European dominance and the emergence of new stars. With established athletes, rising talents, and impeccable organisation, this World Championships set a precedent for future global events in non-traditional continents, proving that cycling can shine anywhere in the world.
Europe continues to set the standard, but Kigali made it clear that world talent is expanding, and surprises like Vallieres’ will always be part of the spectacle.
✨ 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!
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
EOC
