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Author: jose.rivas

Daniel Tschofenig: A New Champion in the Four Hills Tournament of Ski Jumping

A Rising Star in Ski Jumping

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.

Celebrating World Ice Skating Day 2024: Budapest Takes CenterStage

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.

Czechia and Sweden keep on the fight for the Ice Hockey World Junior Championship

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. 

BEN CAVET: SUPERB WEEKEND AT BAKURIANI

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. 

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKING 2024: A SPECTACULAR SHOWDOWN IN CHENGDU

Photo: B-Girls podium (WSDF, 2024)

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. 

EYOF Bakuriani 2025: The Flame of Peace is Alive

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!

Athletes, get ready to shine!

The 2024-2025 IBU World Cup Season

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.

Léa Casta, France shining star

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.

(fis-ski.com, @Pentaphoto 2024)

Sport Europe: A Bold New Hub for European Sports Fans 

In an era where digital innovation is transforming how fans engage with their passions, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) is proud to unveil Sport Europe, an exciting new digital ecosystem designed to bring fans closer than ever before to the heart of European sports. Through a dynamic platform that integrates a cutting-edge website, interactive social media channels, and an array of digital technologies, Sport Europe is set to redefine the sports experience for enthusiasts across the continent. 

Connecting Fans with the Thrill of European Sports 

At its core, Sport Europe is more than just a digital platform—it is a hub of excitement, engagement, and exclusive content, created to unite the European sports community. Born from the EOC’s commitment to celebrating the power and passion of sport, Sport Europe was developed with one clear mission: to bring sport and athletes closer to the fans. 

This innovative platform provides users with a wealth of content, from exclusive athlete interviews to the latest updates on European sport, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience. Fans can access detailed coverage on European athletes’ performances on the global stage, track key events, and stay updated on the sport challenges and competitions across Europe. 

Whether you’re a passionate follower of football, athletics, winter sports, or any of the diverse range of disciplines, Sport Europe has something for everyone. It’s an all-encompassing space that showcases the exceptional talent of European athletes while empowering fans to experience the thrill of sporting events in real-time. 

A Seamless Digital Experience 

Designed with modern sports fans in mind, Sport Europe offers an immersive experience across multiple digital touchpoints. From the moment fans visit the Sport Europe website, they are greeted with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The site is rich with high-quality content, providing both real-time updates and in-depth features on athletes, events, and news from across Europe. Fans can easily navigate through sections dedicated to exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, athlete stories, and much more. 

But that’s not all. Sport Europe goes beyond the website, with a strong presence across leading social media platforms. Through Instagram, TikTok, and more, the platform provides fans with constant access to exciting content, including live event updates, short-form videos, athlete highlights, and interactive features such as polls, Q&A sessions, and challenges. The social media channels are designed to foster interaction, encouraging fans to actively engage with the content, share their thoughts, and connect with the global sports community. 

A World of Exclusive Content 

Sport Europe is committed to providing sports fans with access to premium content that can’t be found anywhere else. The platform delivers exclusive interviews with athletes, offering fans an inside look into the lives and careers of some of Europe’s top sporting stars. These intimate features showcase the drive, determination, and passion that propel these athletes to greatness. 

In addition, Sport Europe keeps fans informed with the latest news and updates from the world of European sport. From updates on upcoming competitions and events to real-time performance tracking for athletes competing on the international stage, fans will never miss a beat. Whether it’s breaking news on a major sporting event or detailed analysis of an athlete’s achievements, Sport Europe ensures fans are always at the forefront of the action. 

Celebrating European Sporting Excellence 

The launch of Sport Europe underscores the European Olympic Committees’ commitment to not just promoting sport, but actively celebrating the incredible achievements of European athletes. The platform is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Europe’s diverse sporting landscape, from global Olympic champions to emerging stars in various disciplines. It highlights the talent, resilience, and spirit of European athletes, giving fans the opportunity to witness their journeys and share in their triumphs. 

A Hub for Engagement and Interaction 

One of the standout features of Sport Europe is its focus on fan engagement. Through its interactive tools and features, the platform aims to create an environment where fans feel like they are part of the action. Through live discussions, fan polls, virtual challenges, and fan-submitted content, Sport Europe fosters a sense of belonging within the digital sports community. It’s not just about consuming content—it’s about participating in the conversation and becoming a vital part of Europe’s vibrant sports culture.

A Dream Come True for Sports Enthusiasts 

For fans, Sport Europe is the ultimate destination—a one-stop digital ecosystem where they can access everything they’ve ever dreamed of in relation to sport. From real-time event coverage to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, from athlete insights to fan engagement opportunities, the platform is packed with features designed to delight and inspire. Whether it’s discovering the latest up-and-coming stars or diving deep into a sport’s history, Sport Europe offers an unparalleled experience for all sports lovers. 

As the platform evolves and expands, fans can expect even more interactive features, exclusive content, and global sports coverage. Sport Europe is destined to be a game-changer in how fans connect with the world of European sport, offering a dynamic, engaging, and constantly evolving experience that celebrates the power of sport across the continent. 

Sport Europe is not just a platform—it is the future of fan engagement in European sport. With its combination of exclusive content, real-time updates, and interactive features, Sport Europe is set to transform the sports landscape and deliver an unparalleled experience to sports enthusiasts across Europe. Welcome to the new digital age of European sport! 

SKOPJE SET TO HOST THE 2025 SUMMER EYOF: A SHOWCASE OF YOUNG TALENT AND TRADITION

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), a prestigious multi-sport event for young athletes aged 14 to 18, is set to take place in Skopje, North Macedonia, for its 18th Summer edition in 2025. This announcement was made during the Summer EYOF Maribor 2023, where more than 2,400 of Europe’s top young athletes came together to compete across 11 disciplines.

Directed by the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Summer and Winter EYOFs are both held biennially. The Festival serves as a gateway for young athletes to experience the spirit and values of the Olympic Games. Since its inception, many EYOF medallists have gone on to achieve Olympic glory later in their careers.

EOC President Spyros Capralos expressed his enthusiasm for Skopje hosting the Summer EYOF, recognising the dedication of local officials, including Mayor Danela Arsovska and North Macedonian NOC President Daniel Dimevski.

President Capralos remarked: “The EOC is delighted to announce Skopje as the host for the 2025 Summer EYOF. We are confident that the city will provide the young athletes of Europe with memories to last a lifetime.”

Preparations are already underway, with high praise for the city’s sporting venues and infrastructure. Following a site visit with EOC Sports Director Peter Brüll, the EOC EYOF Commission Chair Liney Halldórsdóttir noted: “We were very impressed with the standard and range of facilities that the city has for sport. Their state-of-the-art venues will allow young athletes to perform at their best.”

North Macedonia’s natural beauty, rich culture and renowned hospitality are expected to make the 2025 Summer EYOF a standout event. With nearly 4,000 athletes expected to participate, Skopje is gearing up to offer not only a world-class sporting experience, but also a memorable cultural celebration. The Festival is also expected to boost tourism, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes, delectable Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage.

North Macedonian NOC President Dimevski emphasised the country’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in hosting the EYOF.

“On my behalf and all stakeholders in the country, I assure you that the 2025 Summer EYOF in Skopje will set new high standards in terms of venues, number of sports, facilities, etc., in addition to wonderful food and warm hospitality. I look forward to seeing you in Skopje,” President Dimevski said.

The 2025 Summer EYOF will be a celebration of young talent, passion and hard work, offering athletes a unique opportunity to develop their careers and embody the Olympic ideals. With the support of key stakeholders and the excitement building across the country, Skopje is poised to deliver an unforgettable Festival that will inspire the next generation of European sport champions.