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European Athletics Team Championships 2025: Italy reigns in Madrid as Belgium and Iceland lead the charge in Maribor

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in ATH, BEL, EOC, European Games, ISL, ITA, Summer Sports. No Comments on European Athletics Team Championships 2025: Italy reigns in Madrid as Belgium and Iceland lead the charge in Maribor

Across six action-packed days and two host cities, the 2025 European Athletics Team Championships (ETCH)delivered an electrifying showcase of team spirit, national pride, and elite performances. With the First Division held in Madrid, and both the Second and Third Divisions hosted simultaneously in Maribor, Slovenia, this year’s edition reflected the full scope of European athletics — from powerhouse nations to rising federations making their mark.

🥇 FIRST DIVISION – MADRID: ITALY DEFENDS ITS TITLE IN STYLE

At Madrid’s Estadio Vallehermoso, 16 top-tier national teams battled it out from 26–29 June. Italy retained its crown with a commanding 431.5 points, outpacing Poland (405.5) and Germany (397) in a high-calibre field.

The four-day meet featured standout performances:

  • Femke Bol (Netherlands) smashed the championship record in the women’s 400m with a lightning-fast 49.48 seconds.
  • Miltiadis Tentoglou (Greece) soared to a world-leading 8.46m in the men’s long jump.
  • Young Dutch star Niels Laros took a sensational win in the men’s 5000m, confirming his rise as one of Europe’s brightest distance talents.
  • Poland capped off the event by winning a thrilling mixed 4x400m relay.

At the opposite end of the table, Ukraine, Finland, Lithuania were relegated to the Second Division for 2027, highlighting the unforgiving nature of this fiercely contested format.

(European Athletics)

(European Athletics)

🥈 SECOND DIVISION – MARIBOR: BELGIUM, NORWAY AND SLOVENIA PROMOTED

From 28–29 June, the Poljane Stadium in Maribor hosted a gripping battle for promotion. Belgium emerged victorious with 249.5 points, narrowly ahead of Norway (242) and host nation Slovenia (219.5). All three earned promotion to the top tier in 2027.

Middle-distance events and strong showings in the relays proved decisive for the leading teams. Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia fell to the Third Division after multiple events.

🥉 THIRD DIVISION – MARIBOR: ICELAND LEAD THE WAY IN SURPRISE ASCENT

The Third Division, also staged at Maribor’s Poljane Stadium (24–25 June), featured 15 national teams vying for just three promotion spots. Iceland delivered a standout collective performance, topping the table with 212.5 points. They were joined in promotion by Luxembourg and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Star of the weekend was Gina McNamara (Iceland), who claimed gold in both the women’s 800m and 1500m, while also scoring valuable points in the long jump. Malta achieved a national record in the mixed 4x400m relay and secured a historic fifth-place finish overall — a major milestone for the island nation’s athletics programme.

🔄 PROMOTION AND RELEGATION – EUROPE’S ATHLETIC LANDSCAPE SHIFTS

🏆 Division🟢 Promoted🔴 Relegated
First Division—Ukraine, Finland, Lithuania
Second DivisionBelgium, Norway, SloveniaBulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia
Third DivisionIceland, Luxembourg, Bosnia & Herzegovina—

🌍 TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS CONFIRM THEIR PLACE IN THE ATHLETICS CALENDAR

The 2025 edition once again highlighted the value of a team-based format in an increasingly individual-focused sport. National depth, tactical balance, and unity across disciplines made the difference — as much as any single standout athlete.

From record-breaking brilliance in Madrid to breakthrough moments in Maribor, the ETCH reaffirmed itself as a unique and vital fixture in the European athletics calendar. With new faces rising and others regrouping, the road to 2027 promises even fiercer battles — and fresh stories to be written.

What Is Olympic Day? The Day Sport Moves the World

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in EOC, European Games, EYOF, Olympic Movement, Sports, Summer Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on What Is Olympic Day? The Day Sport Moves the World

Every year on 23rd June, Olympic Day is celebrated across the globe — and it goes far beyond sport. This day invites us to get active, connect with others, and live by the values that make the Olympic Games so unique: respect, friendship, and excellence.

But… do you really know what this day means and why it matters? Let us explain.

📅 What Is Olympic Day and Why Is It Celebrated?

Olympic Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern Olympic Games, first held in 1896 thanks to the vision of French educator Pierre de Coubertin. But it wasn’t until 1948 that the International Olympic Committee proposed creating a special day to celebrate Olympism — a day where everyone, no matter their age or background, could be part of the Olympic spirit.

Since then, more than 150 countries have joined the celebration each year, organising sporting events, cultural activities, educational workshops and fun runs known as “Olympic Day Runs”, open to the public.

🏃‍♀️🏀 More Than Sport: Move Your Body, Mind and Heart

Olympic Day is built on three key pillars that make it meaningful and accessible to all:

  • Move 🏃‍♂️
    Walk, run, swim, dance, play… however you like to move, get your body going. Being active improves your health, boosts your mood, and builds confidence.
  • Learn 📚
    Explore Olympic history, learn about inspiring athletes, and discover how sport unites cultures and breaks down barriers. Learning is part of the Olympic journey.
  • Discover 🧩
    Ever tried a new sport? Olympic Day is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and find something that excites you.

🎯 These three pillars are the foundation of the official Olympic Day motto: “Move, Learn, Discover.”

🌟 Olympic Values: A Guide for Life

Beyond medals and podiums, Olympic Day is about remembering the values that inspire athletes all over the world:

  • Friendship: Connecting with others through mutual respect and teamwork.
  • Respect: For yourself, for others, and for the environment.
  • Excellence: Giving your personal best — not just to win, but to grow.

These values go beyond sport. They can help us become better people at school, at home, and in our communities.

🎤 What Athletes Say

For many Olympians, Olympic Day has special meaning. Some remember it as the day they first discovered the joy of sport.

🗣️ “Olympic Day showed me that sport is for everyone — not just the best. We all have a place,” said Yulimar Rojas, Olympic champion.

🗣️ “When you run alongside others without worrying about who wins, you realise sport is bigger than competition,” shared Eliud Kipchoge, one of the greatest marathon runners in history.

🙌 How Can You Take Part?

The best part? Anyone can join Olympic Day, regardless of age, experience or fitness level. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:

  • 🚴‍♀️ Organise a mini Olympic Day run in your school, park or neighbourhood.
  • 🧠 Research Olympic athletes from your country and create a poster or presentation.
  • 🏸 Try out a new sport — even just for fun.
  • 📱 Join the online challenge: post a video of yourself moving or share your story using the hashtag #OlympicDay.
  • 🎨 Create artwork, music or dance inspired by Olympic values.
  • 💬 Invite a local athlete to speak at your school or youth centre.

🌈 It’s not about how big the event is — what matters most is your willingness to take part and connect with others through sport

Sara Errani gets a wild card for the P1 Rome and shakes up the game between tennis and padel

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Sports, Summer Sports. No Comments on Sara Errani gets a wild card for the P1 Rome and shakes up the game between tennis and padel

Rome, June 2025 — Total surprise! Sara Errani, the Italian tennis legend and recent Olympic doubles champion, has just received a wild card to play in the P1 Premier Padel tournament in Rome. Yes, you read that right: the very same Sara you know from the tennis courts is now stepping into professional padel at the iconic Foro Italico.

This move isn’t just a novelty — it’s a clear sign that tennis and padel are getting closer than ever, and switching rackets might be the next big thing for racket sport fans.

With an impressive record — five Grand Slam doubles titles and that fresh Olympic gold medal — Sara proves it’s never too late to try something new and that the passion for competing knows no bounds.

The P1 Rome promises to be an event where both sports can coexist and complement each other, offering fans a doubly exciting experience.

Sara arrives full of good vibes, aiming not just to score points but to inspire other players to break the mold and try new things. Because, at the end of the day, what matters is enjoying the game and keeping active.

Will we ever see a combined tennis and padel tournament? The idea sounds pretty exciting, and many fans are already calling for it on social media, where the community debates how these two worlds would blend in one event. Some say it would be amazing for attracting younger audiences and mixing the best of both sports, while others believe it’s important to respect each discipline’s uniqueness and give them space. What’s clear is that the connection between tennis and padel keeps growing, and with stars like Sara Errani breaking boundaries, a joint event where rackets are the true stars doesn’t seem that far off.

A Spectacular Success: The 2025 GSSE in Andorra Deliver Six Days of Sporting Magic

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, GSSE, Summer Sports. No Comments on A Spectacular Success: The 2025 GSSE in Andorra Deliver Six Days of Sporting Magic

Andorra la Vella, 2 June 2025 – The curtain has closed on the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), and what a week it was! From 26 May to 1 June, more than 1,500 athletes from nine European microstates lit up Andorra in a celebration of sport, friendship and competition.

Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino all sent their best athletes to compete across 14 disciplines, including athletics, swimming, cycling, judo, basketball, karate and more.

🏅 Final Medal Table

After six days of fierce yet friendly competition, the final standings were as follows:

🌍 Highlights by Nation

🇨🇾 Cyprus emerged as the dominant force, excelling in athletics and cycling. Their men’s 400m hurdles champion clocked an impressive 51.74 seconds, while their time trial squad claimed top honours on two wheels.

🇮🇸 Iceland shone in the pool and on the track. Sprinter Guðbjörg Jóna Bjarnadóttir grabbed bronze in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.99 seconds.

🇱🇺 Luxembourg delivered a consistent performance. The men’s 4x400m relay team stormed to gold with a strong 3:13.70 finish.

🇲🇹 Malta made waves in team sports, especially basketball and volleyball, and picked up valuable medals on the track as well.

🇦🇩 Andorra, the proud host nation, achieved its best-ever GSSE performance with 55 medals. Local heroes like Pol Moya, Nahuel Carabaña, and tennis star Vicky Jiménez ignited the home crowd with podium finishes.

🇸🇲 San Marino impressed in judo and athletics, continuing its steady medal-winning tradition.

🇱🇮 Liechtenstein made their mark in mountain biking and swimming, showing they’re a force to be reckoned with in endurance sports.

🇲🇨 Monaco picked up medals in artistic swimming and athletics, maintaining a balanced and competitive presence.

🇲🇪 Montenegro, despite a smaller squad, made notable gains in judo and middle-distance running, reflecting their ongoing sporting development.

🎉 More Than Medals

The 2025 GSSE wasn’t just about standings and results. It was a festival of unity, youth, and top-tier talent. The organisation was smooth, the venues world-class, and the energy unmatched. Fans filled the stands, volunteers worked tirelessly, and athletes delivered performances to remember.

These Games proved once again that being small doesn’t mean thinking small. The GSSE continues to showcase what sport is really about – excellence, respect and connection.

Next stop: the 2027 Games

European Canoe Slalom Elite Meet in Vaires-sur-Marne

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, Sports, Summer Sports. No Comments on European Canoe Slalom Elite Meet in Vaires-sur-Marne

The 2025 Canoe Slalom European Championships, held from 14 to 18 May in Vaires-sur-Marne (France), concluded with a strong showing from the host nation, particularly in the kayak cross discipline. The event brought together many of Europe’s top paddlers in one of the key competitions of the whitewater calendar.

Kayak Cross: Home Advantage Counts

French athletes delivered notable performances in kayak cross — a fast-paced and tactical discipline involving head-to-head racing through a slalom course.

  • Camille Prigent was crowned European champion in the women’s event, displaying consistency and control throughout the elimination rounds and final.
  • In the men’s event, Boris Neveu reached the final and stood out as one of the key performers, underlining France’s strength in the discipline.

Balanced Podiums and High-Level Competition

The championships featured strong competition across all categories, with medals shared among traditional slalom nations including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Great Britain.

Events were held in both individual and team formats across C1 (single canoe), K1 (single kayak) and kayak cross, for both men and women. The field featured a mix of experienced paddlers and emerging talents, contributing to a technically demanding and engaging championship.

For full results and further details, visit the official website of the European Canoe Association: www.canoe-europe.org

Countdown to the Start of the Games

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, EOC, GSSE, Summer Sports. No Comments on Countdown to the Start of the Games

Just two weeks to go until the Games of the Small States of Europe Andorra 2025 kick off, and you can already feel the buzz in the air. Banners are going up on lampposts and balconies, and sports venues are being fine-tuned in every detail. With the clock ticking down, we already know the key elements that will give this edition its personality: the mascot, the torch, and the cauldron have all been unveiled.

Now, all eyes are on the final team lists. National squads are putting the finishing touches on preparations, some have already announced preliminary line-ups, and the confirmed athletes for events like athletics, swimming, judo or cycling should be announced any day now. For many of these competitors, the Games are a major milestone—a chance to represent their country in an event that blends sport, culture and connection.

Valiret, the official mascot

Valiret will be the friendly face of the Games. He’s a tamarro—a mythical forest creature from the Pyrenees—given a modern and approachable look. The name was chosen through a public vote and reflects Andorra’s close link to nature, especially its rivers, which bring life and energy to the country. Valiret also nods to the past, reviving the spirit of the 1991 Games—the last time Andorra hosted the event.

A torch inspired by mountains, unity and tradition

The official torch is packed with symbolism. Designed by creative studio Aymara, its shape mimics the silhouette of Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak. Engraved at the base are the names of the country’s seven parishes, a reminder of unity and shared effort. The torch is surrounded by seven metallic rings, representing each parish. Built from stainless steel, the design is clean and sturdy, and the flame inside stands for the Olympic spirit—but also the light that guides those hiking through the mountains. The torch is set to tour all seven parishes before arriving at the National Stadium for the opening ceremony.

The cauldron – still under wraps

The cauldron design is still a secret, but we know it’s the work of Andorran sculptor Toni Cruz. Built from iron, it ties into the country’s mining heritage and aims to represent collective effort, resilience and support. Cruz wants this piece to honour not just athletes, but also the coaches, families, medical staff and volunteers who’ve helped make the journey possible. The big reveal will come on the opening night—when the torch flame arrives and the cauldron is lit to officially launch the Games.

Final touches and growing excitement

As the start date gets closer, preparations are shifting into high gear. Volunteers are in training, delegations are beginning to arrive, and training sessions are picking up pace. Everything needs to be ready—from venue signage to transport schedules between the different sites. For many in Andorra, this is a chance to show the world their warm welcome, organisational skill and love of sport.

Andorra 2025 is shaping up to be a close-knit edition where it’s not just about winning, but also about sharing. With almost everything in place, all that’s left is to welcome the teams, confirm the final names, and get things underway.

Raffaeli Triumphs at European Cup in Baku

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In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli clinched the Cross Battle title at the European Cup held in Baku. The event, which showcased some of the continent’s finest gymnasts, saw Raffaeli excel in her routines, demonstrating both technical precision and artistic flair.

Raffaeli’s performance was characterised by her fluid movements and innovative choreography, which captivated both the judges and the audience. Competing against a strong field of athletes, she managed to stand out through her ability to blend strength with grace, earning high scores across multiple apparatus.

© CONI – Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano

The Cross Battle format added an exciting twist to the competition, with gymnasts facing off in head-to-head challenges. This format not only tested their individual skills but also their ability to perform under pressure. Raffaeli navigated these challenges with poise, showcasing her extensive training and preparation.

Throughout the event, the atmosphere in Baku was electric, as fans rallied behind their favourite gymnasts. Raffaeli’s accomplishment adds to her growing list of achievements, further solidifying her reputation as one of the leading figures in European gymnastics.

 

As the competition concluded, Raffaeli expressed her gratitude for the support she received and highlighted the importance of events like these in fostering camaraderie among athletes.

Looking ahead, Raffaeli and her fellow competitors will continue to prepare for upcoming challenges, with eyes set on future competitions where they hope to further demonstrate their skills and passion for the sport.

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