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Europe’s Rising Generation in Action After Skopje 2025

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in EYOF, EYOF, NOC, Skopje 2025, Sports. No Comments on Europe’s Rising Generation in Action After Skopje 2025

Junior Swimming World Championships Kick Off in Otopeni (Romania)

The 2025 Junior Swimming World Championships began on Tuesday, 19 August, in Otopeni, Romania, marking a key event on the international calendar for youth aquatic sports. The competition, running until Sunday 24 August, brings together Europe’s best swimmers under the age of 18, all aiming to consolidate their careers and gain valuable experience on the global stage.

The event takes place at the modern 50-metre Olympic pool in Otopeni, equipped with state-of-the-art timing and live broadcasting technology, and with a seating capacity for 2,400 spectators. The Romanian city is establishing itself as a hub for international youth competitions, following in the footsteps of other high-level events hosted in the country.

The Legacy of Skopje 2025

Just a month ago, from 20 to 26 July, the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) was held in Skopje, North Macedonia. The event brought together more than 4,000 young talents from across Europe in 15 sports, including swimming, serving as a platform for the continent’s most promising athletes to shine on an international stage.

Many of the swimmers who excelled in Skopje have now arrived in Otopeni with the confidence and motivation gained from competing at the continental level. Their recent EYOF experience is expected to translate into standout performances at the Junior World Championships, reinforcing the generational renewal of European aquatic sports.

Athletes to Watch

Among the European swimmers drawing attention at this Junior World Championship is Barbara Liepowska (Poland). Having impressed at Skopje 2025 with her speed in the 50 and 100-metre freestyle events, Liepowska arrives in Otopeni with the ambition to perform at the highest level and contend for finals in the sprint events.

Event Expectations

The Junior Swimming World Championships offer young European talents the opportunity not only to demonstrate their sporting development but also to engage in cultural exchange and build international friendships. European teams, traditionally strong in these categories, aim to reaffirm their leadership and identify future champions who may compete at the Olympic Games and senior World Championships.

The championship will feature freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and medley events, both individual and relay, ensuring a complete spectacle for fans.

Looking Ahead

Building on the experience gained at Skopje 2025, European athletes arrive in Otopeni with a wealth of competition knowledge that will be evident in every stroke. For many, this Junior World Championship represents the first major step in their professional careers, offering the public a unique chance to witness the next generation of European swimming stars in action.

Would you know what to do if you got injured?

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Article, EYOF. No Comments on Would you know what to do if you got injured?

Many people who have recently taken up sport are still unsure whether it’s better to apply cold or heat to an injury. To help clear up any doubts, the Professional College of Physiotherapists of the Community of Madrid (CPFCM) has prepared the following information, which could be helpful. However, the first thing you should do in the event of an injury is to consult your physiotherapist or a doctor.

Differences

Cold and heat have opposite effects: cold is a vasoconstrictor, while heat is a vasodilator. For this reason, cryotherapy(cold treatment) and thermotherapy (heat treatment) are usually applied separately, although they can sometimes be combined, as in contrast baths.

Cold

When to apply it. Cold is recommended during the first two or three days following an acute injury, especially if there is significant inflammation. This includes muscle tears, impacts, contusions, sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures or tendinitis. In these cases, the aim is to reduce acute pain and inflammation, which can cause excessive pressure on tissues, restrict movement, increase pain and impair muscle function.

Effects. Cold reduces the diameter of the capillaries in the affected area, decreasing blood flow, heart rate and metabolism. This reduced blood flow creates an analgesicand anti-inflammatory effect.

It also decreases muscle contractility, which means fewer spasms and cramps — another source of pain.

Don’t overdo it. Cold acts as a local anaesthetic by altering skin sensitivity, but it can cause burns if overused. As a general rule, apply cold for no more than 8 to 10minutes, two to four times per day.

How to apply it. Cold gel packs, creams and gels are all useful because they can adapt to the injured area. An ice bath or a bag of crushed ice wrapped in a cloth to protect the skin can also be used.

That said, recent research suggests that inflammation — like fever — is a natural response of the body to trauma.

In some cases, such as mild muscle injuries or contusions, and always under the supervision of a healthcare professional like a physiotherapist, it may be advisable to avoid cold and anti-inflammatories and allow the body’s natural healing process to take place.

Heat

When to apply it. Heat is used when an increase in body temperature and blood circulation is needed. This is typical in long-standing muscle problems such as soreness, fatigue or chronic conditions. It’s especially useful for treating overuse injuries, poor posture, stiffness, or for warming up tissues before physical activity to help prevent injuries.

Effects. Heat increases blood flow through vasodilation — the widening of capillaries in the area. As a result, it reduces muscle stiffness and pain by providing a soothingeffect that relaxes and relieves muscle fatigue. It also improves tissue elasticity.

Therefore, heat should only be used when the injury is no longer acute, there is noinflammation, and at least 72 hourshave passed since the injury occurred.

How to apply it. The method chosen should suit the affected area. For surface-level application, you can use an electric heating pad, wheat bag, mudpacks, hot compresses, or heat creams and gels.

For more serious or long-term injuries, physiotherapists may use deep thermotherapy devices, such as shortwave therapy, microwaves, or hyperthermia. Don’t overdo it. Depending on the type of injury or condition, heat should be applied for around 15 to 20 minutes, one to three times a day. Always monitor the skin to avoidburns. The sensation should be intensely warm but comfortable.

Combining Heat and Cold

It can often be beneficial to combine hot and cold treatments — such as in contrast baths — because the temperature changes create a vascular micromassage, alternately dilating and contracting the blood vessels.

When to apply it. When there is a need to stimulate circulation, for instance, after immobilisation, surgery, circulatory problems, or strenuous physical activity — especially affecting the lower limbs.

Don’t overdo it. A contrast bath involves three to four minutes of hot (but not scalding) water, followed by one minute of cool (not icy) water. This cycle should berepeated four to five times, ending with cold.

In summary:

Although you should always consult a physiotherapist or doctor when faced with an injury, this information can serve as a basic guide to help you manage minor issues that may arise during everyday physical activity.

What sport should I practise? Which is the healthiest?

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Article, EYOF. No Comments on What sport should I practise? Which is the healthiest?

At some point, you’ve probably asked yourself:
What sport is healthiest for me? How do I choose the one that best suits my situation?
Today, I want to help clear up these doubts. And the one thing we can say without a doubt is this:
The most important thing is to move.

Sport: Health on all levels

Sport not only improves your body but also your mind. In addition to its physical benefits, such as controlling weight, improving circulation, and reducing the risk of conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular diseases, it also has positive effects on our mental health. It reduces stress, combats anxiety, and improves concentration.

In summary, doing sport increases our life expectancy and quality of life. But, of course, the key question is:
What is the healthiest sport?

There is no single answer. It depends on your personal context, and in many cases, a combination of several sports might be the best option.

What factors should we consider?

To decide which sport is most suitable, there are three key factors we must consider:

  1. Age and fitness level:
    Any sport can be adapted to your age and fitness level, but it’s not the same to swim in a heated pool as it is in open water. You need to consider your body’s needs and what suits you best.
  2. Variety of stimuli:
    Our body needs to work in different areas: strength, endurance, and flexibility. A sport that covers all these aspects will be more complete and beneficial.
  3. Fun factor:
    If you don’t enjoy the sport you practise, it won’t be sustainable. The motivator factor is key. The goal is to find something you enjoy and can incorporate into your routine.

Analysing some popular sports

Football and Basketball

Football and basketball are among the most popular sports, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to being fun, they are highly social. However, they can be injury-prone, especially if you don’t have a solid fitness base. Injuries to ankles, knees, and ligaments are common, even at an amateur level.

Running

Running seems like a simple and accessible sport, but it’s not for everyone. While running is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health, if you don’t have an adequate fitness base or basic knowledge of technique, it can lead to injuries, especially in the joints. Moreover, the constant impact can limit its practice as we age.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the most complete sports. It engages the entire musculature, improves lung capacity, and is low impact, making it ideal for people with overweight or joint issues.

However, like everything, it has its downsides. Access to a heated pool or swimming facility isn’t always available, limiting practice to certain times of the year. Moreover, for people with joint issues or the elderly, such as those with arthritis, specific conditions are required, like water at the right temperature and additional safety measures. Also, although swimming may seem easy, doing it correctly requires technique. Poor posture or incorrect swimming style can lead to neck or lower back tension.

Despite these drawbacks, swimming remains one of the healthiest sports, as long as it is practised with proper technique and in the right conditions.

Tennis and padel

At a competitive level, tennis and padel can cause injuries if technique is not up to scratch. However, at a recreational level, with a basic fitness level, they are relatively safe. In fact, recent studies have shown that people who practise these sports tend to have a longer life expectancy. The only downside is that they require technical skill and should be complemented with flexibility exercises to avoid strain and injuries.

Cycling

Cycling is excellent for cardiovascular health and toning the legs, but it is not without risks. If you don’t maintain the proper posture, it can be detrimental to the lower back. Furthermore, road cycling comes with the risk of falls or accidents, especially if safety precautions are not taken.

Rowing / Canoeing

This is one of the most complete sports. It requires coordination, strength, flexibility, and precision, making it ideal for improving a wide range of physical skills. The main drawback is the lack of access to the required equipment, and like other sports, if not combined with flexibility and lower back strengthening exercises, it can lead to injury.

Functional training, gym, or calisthenics

These sports are often complementary to other activities as they focus on strength, flexibility, and endurance. However, they require a very personalised approach. Poor planning or execution of exercises can lead to injuries, both acute and chronic. That said, if done properly, they are ideal for improving overall fitness and can be adapted to any age or fitness level.

Conclusion: the best sport is the one you can maintain

Every sport has its risks and benefits, and there is no single answer. What’s most suitable for you will depend on your age, fitness level, time availability, and, of course, your motivation.

Just remember that the most important thing is to stay active. As the famous quote says:

“We don’t stop moving because we grow old, we grow old because we stop moving.