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EUROPEANS AT THE HALFWAY STAGE OF THE WINTER YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES GANGWON 2024

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As the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon reach their midway point, the spotlight shines brightly on the remarkable performances of European countries and athletes. In a stunning display of prowess, eight out of the top ten teams on the medal table are proudly flying the European flag, with Italy emerging as the frontrunner.

One of the most striking narratives of these Games is the emergence of new European multi-medallists on a daily basis. Athletes from across the continent are not only showcasing their individual brilliance but also contributing significantly to their nations’ overall success. This diversity of talent and skill has created a captivating atmosphere, with unexpected heroes rising to the occasion in every event.

What adds to the excitement is the presence of European athletes who previously clinched medals at the 2023 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival and are now repeating their triumphs on the grand stage of the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Their consistent excellence speaks volumes about the depth and quality of European youth sports programmes.

Beyond the medal count, the Winter Youth Olympic Games have been a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition among the European contingents. Athletes have not only competed fiercely but have also demonstrated camaraderie, respect and fair play, embodying the true essence of the Olympic Games.

Looking ahead, the anticipation grows for the upcoming events, particularly in figure skating and ice hockey, which promise to captivate audiences with skilful displays of athleticism and artistry. As the competition unfolds, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exhilarating journey of talent, determination and sportsmanship on the snowy landscapes of Gangwon. The Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 continue to be a celebration of European excellence, setting new standards for the global youth sporting community.

HISTORY FOR TÜRKIYE: MUHAMMED BOZDAĞ WINS COUNTRY’S FIRST WINTER MEDAL

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In a historic moment for Türkiye at Gangwon 2024, 16-year-old short track speed skater Muhammed Bozdağ clinched the country’s first-ever medal at a Winter Youth Olympic Games or Olympic Winter Games.

Bozdağ’s triumphant journey unfolded on Sunday when he claimed the silver medal in the men’s 1,000m short track speed skating event. Expressing his joy and disbelief at the accomplishment, Bozdağ said: “I was very happy to make history for Türkiye. My dream has come true today.”

The iconic image of Bozdağ waving the Turkish flag after successfully completing the 1,000m short track speed skating final at Gangwon 2024 will forever be etched in Türkiye’s winter sports history. Bozdağ initially crossed the line in third place, a podium finish that already filled him with immense pride. However, the event took a dramatic turn as a video replay revealed an incident that reshaped the outcome.

Chinese skater Zhang Bohao, who had initially finished first, was disqualified for causing the fall of Korean skater and 1,500m gold medallist Joo Jaehee. This turn of events propelled Bozdağ from third to a historic second place, with China’s Zhang Xinzhe promoted to the gold medal position, and Japan’s Kida Raito moving up to third.

Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, Bozdağ humbly remarked: “This result shows that I should believe in myself more. This medal is important, but this is just a start.”

Before this groundbreaking achievement, the best Olympic performance in winter sport by a Turkish athlete was Furkan Akar’s sixth-place finish in the 1,000m short track race at Beijing 2022. Akar, who was also the first athlete to represent Türkiye in short track at the Olympic Winter Games, paved the way for Bozdağ’s historic breakthrough.

In claiming Türkiye’s first Olympic medal in winter sport, Bozdağ has not only etched his name in the annals of history but has also inspired future generations of Turkish winter athletes. The significance of this achievement resonates far beyond the podium, marking a new era for Türkiye in the world of winter sports.

Muhammed Bozdağ (TUR) skates holding the national flag after the short track speed skating men’s 1000m final at the Gangneung Ice Arena. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Sunday 21 January 2024. Photo: OIS/Joe Toth. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC