Today marks one month until the Opening Ceremony of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025, being held from 9-16 February 2025.
Bakuriani 2025 will place Georgia firmly at the heart of winter sports as it hosts 2,000 of the most talented European athletes aged 14 to 18.
Held across eight days, the Winter EYOF will bring together young athletes from across Europe, providing them with a first experience of a multi-sport event and the opportunity to embrace the Olympic values.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Kids Ski Arena in Bakuriani on 9 February, featuring a parade of the athletes and the lighting of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Cauldron with the Flame of Peace.
The Flame of Peace was lit by Georgian athletes Anastasia Mirianashvili and Nikoloz Egadze, and the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee President Mamuka Khabareli at a spectacular ceremony in Rome last month.
There are eight sports on the programme at Bakuriani 2025, with events taking place across three different cities in Georgia.
Bakuriani will host biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding and Alpine skiing. Ice hockey will be held at the Leader Arena in Tbilisi, while figure skating and short track speed skating will be held in Batumi.
Georgia previously hosted a successful Summer EYOF in Tbilisi in 2015, but this year marks the first Winter edition held in the country.
At the age of 20 years old, Nasar´s achievement have garnered international attention, with many considering him one of the most promising talents in weightlifting. Bulgaria is a country with a rich weightlifting history, which has been revitalized in recent years through the outstanding performances of this young athlete.
At the age of 16, Karlos earned silver in the snatch and total, and a gold medal in the clean & jerk event in the 2021 European Championship, establishing a European record of 206 kgs in the 81 kg category. In the same year, Nasar won the World Championships in the 81 kg category, setting a new record with a lift of 208 kgs and a total of 374 kg. And just one year later, he clinched the clean & jerk title in the 89 kg category at the World Championships in Bogotá, Colombia, with a world record lift of 220 kg at just 17 years old.
During 2023 European Championships in Yerevan, Armenia, Nasar broke five world records in the 89 kg division, including a 221 kg clean & jerk and a total of 395 kg. With each competition, each lift and kilo by kilo, Nasar was becoming a legend. However, during the same year, Nasar faced a significant leg injury that required surgery. He underwent rehabilitation under the guidance of his coach and returned to training, maintaining his competitive edge and continuing to break records port-recovery.
Less than a year later, the Bulgarian claimed the first medals of a golden year. During the European Weightlifting Championships, held in February in Sofia, Karlos secured three gold medals: snatch, setting a new World Junior Record with 176 kg, clean and & jerk and total.
In the same year, in his Olympic debut in Paris, Nasar won gold in the men´s -89kg event, breaking multiple world and Olympic records. Karlos Nasar lifted 180 kg in the snatch and a world record clean and jerk of 224 kg for a total of 404 kg, also a new world record.
And this was not all. In his final competition of 2024, World Championship in Manama, Bahrein, held in December, Nasar became the only male weightlifter to hold world records in two different categories. He set two world records at this tournament: 183 kg in the snatch and a total of 405 kg.
The next European Championships will take place in April 2025 in Chisinau, Moldova. Karlos Nasar will have a new chance to break again his own records.
Daniel Tschofenig, born on March 28, 2002, in Austria, has rapidly ascended the ranks in the world of ski jumping. Known for his remarkable talent and dedication, Tschofenig has achieved numerous milestones in his career. He became the first ski jumper born in the 21st century to stand on a World Cup podium, win a competition, and triumph in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. His journey in ski jumping began at a young age, and he has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the slopes.
Daniel competed in the 2019 Winter EYOF in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, and more recently in the 2023 European Games in Krakow-Malopolska, where he contributed to Austria’s success in ski jumping by winning two gold medals.
Tschofenig leading the podium in Bischofshofen (Reichert/NordicFocus, fis-ski.com)
The Four Hills Championship Victory
Daniel Tschofenig’s victory in the 2024/25 Four Hills Tournament marked a significant milestone for Austrian ski jumping. The tournament, held annually across four venues in Germany and Austria, is one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Tschofenig’s triumph ended a 10-year wait for an Austrian winner, making his victory even more special for his home country.
The final leg of the tournament took place in Bischofshofen, Austria, where Tschofenig delivered a stunning performance. After three events, he was in third place, trailing behind his compatriots Stefan Kraft and Jan Hoerl. However, Tschofenig’s spectacular second-round jump of 140 meters earned him 159.0 points, propelling him from fifth to first place with a combined score of 308.6 points.
A Historic Achievement
This victory is not only a personal triumph for Daniel, but also a historic achievement for Austrian ski jumping. It is only the third time in the 73-year history of the Four Hills Tournament that Austria has achieved a clean sweep of the podium. This victory positions Tschofenig and his teammates as strong contenders for future competitions, including the 2025 World Championships and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
In his own words, Tschofenig expressed his disbelief and joy at winning the tournament: “It is freaking unbelievable! I really don’t know what to say. The competition came and I just knew what I needed to do”. His determination and skill have undoubtedly made him a rising star in the world of ski jumping.
Upcoming Competitions
Following his triumph in the Four Hills Tournament, Daniel Tschofenig is set to compete in several key events. The next major competition for him is the Bergiselspringen in Innsbruck, Austria, which is part of the ongoing 2025 Vierschanzentournee. This event is crucial as it traditionally influences the outcomes for the overall competition. Additionally, Tschofenig will be preparing for the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Games, where he aims to continue his impressive performances and bring more glory to Austrian ski jumping.
On December 15, 2024, the global ice skating community came together to celebrate World Ice Skating Day, with Budapest, Hungary, hosting the main event. This spectacular celebration took place at the iconic City Park Ice Rink, Europe’s largest outdoor ice-skating venue, drawing over 5,000 participants and creating a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.
Budapest: The Heart of World Ice Skating Day 2024
Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink provided a stunning backdrop for the main event, offering a unique space for skaters of all ages and abilities to join in the festivities. The rink, spanning over 12,000 square meters, was the perfect location to celebrate the joy and unity of ice skating.
A Day of Performances and Fun
The event featured dazzling performances from top skaters, including figure skating, ice dance, and speed skating demonstrations. Attendees enjoyed free ice skating lessons, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities, making it a day to remember for everyone involved.
European Highlights
Europe, with its rich history and strong tradition in ice skating, played a significant role in this celebration. Here are some of the key events and activities that took place across the continent:
Vienna, Austria: The Wiener Eislauf-Verein hosted free skating lessons and exhibitions, featuring some of Austria’s top skaters.
Tallinn, Estonia: The Tondiraba Ice Hall was the center of festivities, with synchronized skating shows and opportunities for the public to skate alongside professional athletes.
Zurich, Switzerland: The Dolder Sports ice rink offered a day of family-friendly activities, including figure skating demonstrations and interactive workshops.
European Skating Stars Shine
European skaters played a significant role in the celebrations, showcasing their talents and inspiring the next generation of skaters. The event highlighted the achievements of skaters like Anna Shcherbakova from Russia, Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron from France, and Javier Fernández from Spain.
A Community United by Skating
World Ice Skating Day 2024 in Budapest was more than just a series of performances; it was a celebration of the global skating community. The event emphasized the inclusivity and joy that ice skating brings, connecting people from different backgrounds through their shared love for the sport.
Ice Hockey World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Canada, began on 26 December with ten teams divided into two groups battling in the Preliminary Round. The top four teams from each group will advance to the Playoff Round, while the fifth-placed team in each group moves to the Relegation Round.
During the first four days of matches at TD Place and the Canadian Tire Center, Canada, USA, Czechia and Sweden showcased why they are favourites to win the tournament this year, securing the top sports in the standings.
Czechia´s victory against Slovakia moved the Czechs into a first-place tie with Sweden in Group B. Both teams have a perfect 3-0-0 record and will play on New Year´s Eve to determine who claims top seeding heading into the quarterfinals.
Slovakia dropped to fourth place with three points, sitting only ahead of Kazakhstan and Switzerland, both yet to earn any points. Slovakia and Kazakhstan will meet on 30 December in a crucial match for both teams, as they strive to avoid the bottom position and the relegation game.
Sweden defeated Switzerland 7-5, a victory that secured Swedish place at the top of Group B and guaranteed them a spot in the quarter finals.
Canada´s win over Germany provided some relief after their earlier lost to Latvia. However, the real test for the for the Canadians will come on New Year´s Eve with the game against USA. Both teams have seven points in the standings, while Finland follows closely with five.
Finland edged out the USA 4-3 in the overtime, handing the Americans their first loss at the tournament. Team USA, the defending champions from 2024 (Gothenburg) are aiming to secure a medal for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, Finland is striving to end a small drought, having not won fold since 2019 (Vancouver) or any medal since 2022.
Quarterfinals matches will take place on 2 January, with the Finals scheduled for 5 January.
A sublime performance in Bakuriani (Georgia) last Friday, 20th December, earned Benjamin Cavet 84.08 points to top the podium in the Men’s Moguls competition, securing his first medal of the weekend and his first World Cup win in four years – but not the last. The Frenchman also claimed second place the next day in the Men’s Dual Moguls competition. For Cavet, Bakuriani will undoubtedly be a cherished memory of the 2024–2025 season.
Ten years earlier, 2014 was a standout year for a young Ben Cavet. He won a gold medal in Dual Moguls and a silver medal in Moguls at the FIS Junior World Championships. That same year, he participated in his first Winter Olympics, Sochi 2014, where he finished in eighth place. He also competed in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
Photo: FIS FREESTYLE SKI
In 2016, Cavet stood on the podium three times and finished third overall in the FIS World Cup series. The 2016–17 season was his most successful yet; he achieved six podium finishes in World Cup Moguls and finished second overall. Cavet was Vice World Champion in both 2017 and 2021.
However, since the FIS World Cup in Idre Fjäll (Sweden) in 2020, victory had eluded him – until now. Cavet is a veteran and one of the most experienced mogulists still competing. His hard work and dedication paid off in Bakuriani, and he will be one to watch for the rest of the season, including the qualification rounds for Milano-Cortina 2026.
The World Cup season will now take a short break over the holidays. The circuit will resume in the new year with the Moguls World Cup in Waterville on 24th–25th January 2025.
The World Championship Breaking 2024 took place in Chengdu, China, on December 20 and 21, uniting the finest B-Boys and B-Girls globally for a thrilling exhibition of talent and creativity. The Chengbei Gymnasium was buzzing with excitement as over 170 competitors from 31 countries vied for the prestigious titles.
European Athletes Shine
European athletes made a significant impact at the championship, particularly in the B-Girls category. Among the standout performers were:
Pauline (Germany): Advanced to the Top 16 in the B-Girls category.
Anti (Italy): Competed fiercely against Ayane from Japan in the B-Girls Top 16.
Stefani (Ukraine): Showcased her skills against Syssy from France, making it to the Top 16.
In the B-Boys category, notable European athletes included:
Menno (Netherlands): A three-time Red Bull BC One champion known for his fluid transitions and unique style.
Lee (Netherlands): A member of The Ruggeds and the Red Bull BC One All Stars, known for his exceptional techniques.
Results
The finals were a thrilling conclusion to the championship. In the B-Girls category:
First Place: India from the Netherlands
Second Place: 671 from China
Third Place: Nicka from Lithuania
In the B-Boys category:
First Place: B-Boy Issin from Japan
Second Place: Shigekix from Japan
Third Place: MonkeyZ from China
India outstanding triumph
Photo: B-Girl India’s performance (Lawksam, 2024)
B-Girl India, whose real name is India Sardjoe, hails from the Netherlands and has been a prominent figure in the breaking scene. Her victory in Chengdu adds to her impressive list of achievements. India previously competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where breaking made its debut. She advanced to the semi-finals and ultimately finished in fourth place.
Despite missing out on a medal, her performance at the Olympics showcased her exceptional talent and determination.
India’s journey in breaking began at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence by winning the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2022. Her success continued as she secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics by winning the European Games in 2023.
India’s unique style and creativity have made her a standout performer, and her triumph in Chengdu solidifies her status as one of the top B-Girls in the world.
Nicka remarkable performance
B-Girl Nicka, whose real name is Dominika Banevič, had a remarkable year. Representing Lithuania, she secured third place in Chengdu, adding to her impressive achievements, including a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nicka’s dedication and skill have made her a prominent figure in the breaking community.
Coming up in the Breaking horizon
The World Championship Breaking 2024 set the stage for future competitions, with Chengdu set to host the DanceSport events during The World Games in August 2025. The remarkable talent and dedication displayed by the athletes promise an exciting future for the sport.
The Mercati di Traiano served as the magnificent setting for the Flame of Peace lighting ceremony of the 17th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). The event was hosted by Massimiliano Rosolino, an Italian Olympic swimming champion and gold medallist at the second edition of the Summer EYOF in the Netherlands in 1993.
The ceremony was officially opened by Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, who delivered an inspiring speech. This was followed by heartfelt words from Carlo Mornati, Secretary General of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitol Assembly of the City of Rome, Flavio Siniscalchi, Head of the Sports Department – Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Leri Khabelov, President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, Mamuka Khabareli, President of the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee, and Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport of Georgia.
To conclude the ceremony, Spyros Capralos presented an olive tree to Leri Khabelov as a symbol of peace and harmony. The olive tree, regarded as sacred by Dea Pax, the goddess of peace, has been a symbol of victory since ancient times when Olympic athletes were crowned with olive wreaths. Finally, both Presidents, accompanied by two Georgian athletes, lit the Flame of the Torch.
With the flame now lit, the journey of the Torch to Bakuriani has begun, carrying with it the spirit of the Olympic Movement. The countdown is on — with just 50 days to go until the start of EYOF Bakuriani 2025!
The 2024-2025 International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup season is off to an exciting start, with European athletes taking spotlight. This season promises to be a thrilling journey through some of the most iconic biathlon venues, showcasing the talent and determination of finest european biathletes.
Events Concluded So Far
The season started on November 30, 2024, in Kontiolahti, Finland. This opening event really set the tone for this season, with the athletes fighting it out in frozen Finnish landscapes. The competition then traveled to Östersund in Sweden, where European performers continued to dominate. Swedish star Elvira Öberg and German Franziska Preuss have been among the stars who have consistently finished on the podium.
(biathlonworld.com, IBU, 2024)
Upcoming Events
Le Grand-Bornand, France (December 19-22, 2024): This symbolic venue will host the final event before the Christmas break, providing a gala scenery for some intense competition.
Oberhof, Germany (January 4-7, 2025): The new year will kick off with races in Oberhof, with challenging courses and enthusiastic crowds.
Antholz-Anterselva, Italy (January 18-21, 2025): This venue is a favourite among athletes for its altitude and scenery.
Lenzerheide, Switzerland (February 12-23, 2025): The alpine city will make history as the first Swiss venue to host the IBU World Championships.
European Athletes Leading the Charge
So far this season, European athletes have led the medal tables, headed by Swedish talent Elvira Öberg in the women’s and a battle among Norwegian Sturla Holm Lægreid and Frenchmen Éric Perrot for the top three places on the men’s side, not counting Norwegian superstar Johannes Thingnes Bø.
Elvira Öberg has been the most impressive of all, showing some real shooting accuracy and skiing speed. Her consistency has made her an adversary nobody wants to face, and she is considered the top favorite for the overall title. Franziska Preuss has also been in excellent form, using her experience to negotiate the challenging courses and hold her position among the top contenders.
The rising star in the men’s competition is Éric Perrot, who has been able to climb several podiums due to his agility and precision, which have earned him a place among the key athletes.
Sturla Holm Lægreid is known for his calmness and strategic racing; he is always there to challenge for the top positions.
Recent Achievements by European Teams
European teams have also shone in the relay competitions. The frenchmen, Éric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and Emilien Jacquelin, cruised to an open victory in the first season’s relay competition in Kontiolahti. The very good teamwork and perfect baton changes decided the day for them.
The Swedish women’s team, spearheaded by Elvira Öberg, Hanna Öberg, and Linn Persson, has also been unbeatable. They won the relay race in Östersund, showing their depth and coordination. These victories underlined the strength of European teams and their ability to perform under pressure.
These athletes and teams have shown not only extraordinary skill and endurance but have also inspired a new generation of biathletes across the continent. Their performances testify to the strength and depth of European biathlon, making this season one to watch.
More exciting races and moments might be expected in the course of the 2024-2025 IBU World Cup season. The participation of European stars promises even more interest and a very bright future for biathlon.
With only 18 years old, the French athlete Léa Casta topped the podium in Cervino during the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup. December 14th, 2024, will be a date to never forget for the young athlete. This is her first senior big victory but not the only one, Léa is already used to win medals and achieve goals all around the world during her career. Less than one month ago the snowboarder crossed the line in third position during the European Cup in Pitztal (Austria). And at the beginning of this season, she also topped the podium in the South American Cup celebrated in Corralco (Chile) past October.
(fis-ski.com, @Pentaphoto 2024)
But Casta’s amazing senior performance is not a touch of luck but an example of hard work and progression. Season 2023-2024 was plenty of victories. Two first position in Individual and Team events in FIS Junior World Championship Gudauri (Georgia), an event that she also won in 2023 in Passo San Pellegrino (Italy). French National champion and Gold medal in European Cup celebrated in France in January 2024. And all these victories within a year which started with a Youth Olympic Winter Games Gold Medal in Gangwon (Korea).
During this weekend in Cervino Léa Casta shared the podium with her friend Maja-Li Iafrate-Danielsson who finished third to put in the podium two French flags. There are no doubts of the great talent and future that France is bringing to the Snowboard Cross competition. And keep an eye on this young athlete that for sure is going to bring to France and Europe a lot of more podiums around the world.
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