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Europe Reigns: Historic 2025 Road Worlds Conclude in Kigali

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in EYOF, CRD, European Games, Summer Sports. No Comments on Europe Reigns: Historic 2025 Road Worlds Conclude in Kigali

🌍 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.

PaísOroPlataBronceTotal
Países Bajos2114
Gran Bretaña2002
Francia1214
Bélgica1124
España1124
Suiza1124
Italia1113
Eslovenia1001
Suecia1001

📸 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.

World Records, Shock Golds and a New European Generation Rising

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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

SKOPJE 2025: A WEEK TO REMEMBER — A FESTIVAL THAT UNITED EUROPE’S YOUTH

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European Youth Olympic Festival

Skopje has lived a unique chapter in its history. For one unforgettable week, the colours, languages, dreams, and emotions of thousands of young athletes filled the streets, the venues, and every corner of the Macedonian capital. The European Youth Olympic Festival 2025 arrived with the promise of celebrating sport and youth — and they more than delivered.

A vibrant spirit from day one
From the very first moment of the opening ceremony, it was clear this event would be something special. Youthful energy took centre stage: entire delegations celebrating together, local music blending with modern trends, and a city that opened its arms to every visitor. Skopje became the meeting point where friendships were born, ambitions were nurtured, and memories were made.

Beyond results — an experience to remember
Every competition captured the true spirit of the festival: determination, respect, and perseverance. There were moments of sporting excellence, of course — but equally powerful were the displays of sportsmanship, mutual support, and genuine admiration between athletes from different nations.

For many, this was their first major international event. A first step onto the European stage. But more than medals, what remained were the cultural exchanges, the shared lessons, and the powerful sense of belonging to something greater than sport alone.

A city transformed into a space of connection
Skopje wasn’t just a host — it was an active part of the story. Urban spaces came alive with activity, art, music, and open-air sports. Between competitions, delegations explored, mingled, and connected with the local community.

Schools, volunteers, neighbours — everyone contributed to make the Games a true celebration of unity and inclusion. The message was clear: youth sport is a genuine force for connection and change.

Closing with eyes on the future
The closing ceremony wasn’t a goodbye — it was a promise. A promise to meet again, to keep growing, training, dreaming. A promise to remember that sport has the power to transform lives and bring people together.

On behalf of Sport Europe, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this festival possible — the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, media, and local citizens. Thank you for trusting, sharing, and helping shape something truly special.

Skopje 2025 was not just another edition of the EYOF. It was the moment a generation met, inspired one another, and left a mark.

🎖️ We move forward with full hearts — and with the certainty that the future of European sport is in exceptional hands

🇲🇰 Skopje 2025 kicks off tomorrow: Europe’s biggest youth sports festival begins

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Skopje, 19 July 2025 – The capital of North Macedonia is ready to become the heart of European youth sport for an entire week. Starting tomorrow, Skopje 2025, the 18th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), will officially get underway.

🎯 What is it about?
The EYOF is a multi-sport event for young athletes (aged 14 to 18) from across Europe, organised by the European Olympic Committees. This year’s edition will bring together around 4,000 athletes from 49 delegations, competing across 15 summer sports.

🏅 A stepping stone towards Olympic dreams
More than just an international gathering, the EYOF is a launchpad for future elite athletes. For many, Skopje 2025 represents their first major milestone on the path to top-level competition.

🎤 Music, spirit and values
The official anthem, “Together We Shine”, is already echoing across the city. Performed by local talent, the song reflects the youth-driven spirit of unity and solidarity that defines the festival.

🎥 Unprecedented live coverage
For the first time, all competitions and ceremonies will be broadcast live in high quality, featuring multiple camera angles, replays and real-time performance data.

👤 Volunteers and participants in action
Over 700 volunteers from across Europe have joined local teams to help deliver an inclusive, energetic and smooth-running event. The mix of youthful energy and professionalism will be key to the experience.

🎽 Sport + Olympic values
Skopje 2025 is not just about medals: it’s a celebration of friendship, respect and fair play. The festival promotes health, personal growth and intercultural exchange through the universal language of sport.

✅ What lies ahead

For one week, thousands of young athletes will compete, connect and share unforgettable moments in an event that champions sport, Olympic values and European unity.
Skopje 2025 begins tomorrow. The future of European sport is ready to shine

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.

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

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 EOC, ATH, BEL, 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, EYOF, GSSE, Olympic Movement, Skopje 2025, 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