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Ilona Plecháčová: Biathlon’s Brightest Young Talent

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, EYOF, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on Ilona Plecháčová: Biathlon’s Brightest Young Talent

Ilona Plecháčová, born on 26 December 2006, is promptly emerging as one of the brightest talents in the world of biathlon. Representing the Czech Republic, this young athlete has already carved out an impressive career, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and competitors alike. At just 18 years old, Plecháčová exemplifies determination, precision, and a knack for excelling under pressure.

Growing up in the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic, Ilona was introduced to winter sports at an early age. Her initial foray into skiing and shooting soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion for biathlon.

2024 marked a milestone year in Plecháčová’s career. During the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, she made history by winning the first biathlon gold medal for the Czech Republic. Competing in the individual event, her flawless shooting and consistent skiing ensured her place at the top of the podium. This historic victory not only highlighted her talent but also underscored her potential to dominate in senior-level competitions.

Her success continued later that year at the Junior Cup held in Jakuszyce, Poland. Competing in the women’s sprint event, Plecháčová secured a commanding victory, showcasing her impeccable shooting accuracy and tactical prowess on the course. With a perfect score in shooting, she demonstrated the mental fortitude and focus required to excel in this demanding sport.

Plecháčová’s performance statistics further solidify her reputation as a formidable athlete. According to data from the International Biathlon Union (IBU), she achieved a remarkable 96% accuracy in prone shooting and 70% in standing shooting during the 2024/2025 season. Her skiing efficiency, averaging +9.6 seconds per kilometre compared to the fastest competitors, reflects her technical expertise and physical conditioning.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Ilona Plecháčová is quickly becoming a role model for young athletes in her home country and beyond. Her dedication to the sport, combined with her humility and work ethic, resonates with fans and aspiring biathletes. By breaking records and overcoming challenges, she inspires others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and commitment.

Looking Ahead

As she transitions from youth to senior competitions, Plecháčová’s future in biathlon looks exceptionally promising. With the 2025 World Championships and future Olympic Games on the horizon, she stands poised to further cement her legacy. The biathlon community eagerly awaits her next performances, anticipating more record-breaking moments from this extraordinary athlete.

Ilona Plecháčová is not just a rising star in biathlon; she is a testament to what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and unyielding determination. As she continues her journey, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely, cheering her on every step of the way.

Croatia, Denmark, and Norway to host the 2025 Men´s Handball World Championship

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, Sports. No Comments on Croatia, Denmark, and Norway to host the 2025 Men´s Handball World Championship

From 14 January to 2 February, the world’s 32 best men’s handball teams will compete to claim the 2025 World Championship. For the first time, this prestigious tournament will be hosted by three countries, with matches taking place across five venues in five host cities: Zagreb, Varaždin, Poreč, Bærum, and Herning. Denmark, not only a host nation but also the reigning triple world champion, enters the competition aiming to defend their titles from 2019, 2021, and 2023.

In the preliminary round, the 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four. The top three teams from each group will progress to the main round, while those that do not qualify will compete in the President’s Cup to determine positions 25 to 32. During the main round, the remaining teams will be organised into four groups of six. The top two teams from each group in the main round will qualify for the quarter-finals. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for 2 February in Oslo, Norway.

After the opening days of the tournament, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Egypt are leading their respective groups. However, two groups have yet to play their first matches.

Guinea made history on Wednesday, 15 January, as they played their first-ever match in an IHF Men’s World Championship. The favourites for the title include Denmark, who are seeking their fourth consecutive championship, as well as France, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Photo credit: IHF.

Flora Tabanelli: the Italian promise of freestyle skiing

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on Flora Tabanelli: the Italian promise of freestyle skiing

The leader of the Women´s Park & Pipe overall standings in the World Cup this season is Flora Tabanelli, an Italian freestyle skier who has rapidly risen to prominence in the disciplines of Slopestyle and Big Air. Born in Bologna in 2007, Flora moved to Trentino at a young age to start pursuing a snowboarding career before focusing on freestyle skiing. She receives mentorship and support from Italian sports legend Alberto Tomba.

In January 2025, Flora claimed her first World Cup victory by winning the Women´s Freeski Big Air event in Kreischberg, Austria. This victory was preceded by a second-place finish in the Freeski Big Air World Cup in Klagenfurt, Austria, just one week earlier, earning enough points to top the overall standings in the competition.

In 2023, at the Junior World Championships in Cardrona, New Zealand, Flora won gold in Big Air and Silver in Slopestyle. Later that year, she achieved her firs World Cup podium, finishing third in the Big Air event in Beijing. At the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, Flora returned home with tow gold medals in both Slopestyle and Big Air, further demonstrating her potential as a leading talent in freestyle skiing.

As Flora continues to make history, her focus remains firmly on the road ahead. With Milano-Cortina 2026 on the horizon, the world eagerly awaits to see what she will achieve next in her already outstanding career.

OISPHOTO/IOC

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

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in EOC, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on 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.