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Cyprus tops the medal table as Andorra shines as host of the GSSE 2025

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in GSSE, Sports, Summer Sports. No Comments on Cyprus tops the medal table as Andorra shines as host of the GSSE 2025

The Principality of Andorra is experiencing a historic week as it hosts the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), taking place from 26 to 31 May. With over 800 athletes from nine countries, Andorra has become a vibrant stage for sport, culture, and achievement. As the Games enter their final stretch, the medal table tells a compelling story of fierce competition — with the host nation emerging as one of the standout performers both on and off the field.

🥇 Cyprus sets the pace

Cyprus leads the medal table with an impressive 22 golds, 23 silvers, and 32 bronzes, totalling 77 medals. Its athletes have excelled particularly in athletics, gymnastics, and swimming, reaffirming the country’s dominance at this level of international sport.

🥈 Iceland and Luxembourg in close pursuit

Iceland holds second place with 21 golds and 54 total medals, buoyed by strong individual performances across various disciplines. Luxembourg follows closely behind, having secured 18 golds and 56 medals overall, in what has been one of the most competitive editions of the GSSE to date.

Andorra: proud host and rising sporting force

One of the most inspiring stories of these Games is the performance of the host nation. With 10 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze medals (20 in total), Andorra is delivering one of its best performances in GSSE history.

Highlights include gold-medal wins from Nahuel Carabaña (3000m steeplechase), Pol Moya (800m), and Jess Martin(10,000m), who have thrilled local fans with stellar runs on home soil. In swimming, Kevin Teixeira claimed gold in the 800m freestyle, while the debut of karate at the GSSE featured powerful performances from Paula González and Maria Ubiergo, aged just 16, who took gold and bronze respectively.

🎭 An opening steeped in symbolism

The opening ceremony at the Estadi Nacional set the tone for the week, blending Andorran folklore with modern spectacle. Over 4,000 spectators watched as traditional figures like the Dama Blanca and the mythical tamarro paraded alongside folk dancers and fallaires. The torch was lit in a moving moment by Olympic athletes Mònica Doria and Joan Verdú.

With two days of competition remaining and several finals still to be contested, the medal standings could yet shift. However, Andorra has already proven itself a remarkable host and a nation on the rise in sport. The GSSE 2025 will be remembered not just for the medals won, but for the spirit, pride, and unity displayed throughout the Principality.

European Canoe Slalom Elite Meet in Vaires-sur-Marne

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The 2025 Canoe Slalom European Championships, held from 14 to 18 May in Vaires-sur-Marne (France), concluded with a strong showing from the host nation, particularly in the kayak cross discipline. The event brought together many of Europe’s top paddlers in one of the key competitions of the whitewater calendar.

Kayak Cross: Home Advantage Counts

French athletes delivered notable performances in kayak cross — a fast-paced and tactical discipline involving head-to-head racing through a slalom course.

  • Camille Prigent was crowned European champion in the women’s event, displaying consistency and control throughout the elimination rounds and final.
  • In the men’s event, Boris Neveu reached the final and stood out as one of the key performers, underlining France’s strength in the discipline.

Balanced Podiums and High-Level Competition

The championships featured strong competition across all categories, with medals shared among traditional slalom nations including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Great Britain.

Events were held in both individual and team formats across C1 (single canoe), K1 (single kayak) and kayak cross, for both men and women. The field featured a mix of experienced paddlers and emerging talents, contributing to a technically demanding and engaging championship.

For full results and further details, visit the official website of the European Canoe Association: www.canoe-europe.org

Countdown to the Start of the Games

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Just two weeks to go until the Games of the Small States of Europe Andorra 2025 kick off, and you can already feel the buzz in the air. Banners are going up on lampposts and balconies, and sports venues are being fine-tuned in every detail. With the clock ticking down, we already know the key elements that will give this edition its personality: the mascot, the torch, and the cauldron have all been unveiled.

Now, all eyes are on the final team lists. National squads are putting the finishing touches on preparations, some have already announced preliminary line-ups, and the confirmed athletes for events like athletics, swimming, judo or cycling should be announced any day now. For many of these competitors, the Games are a major milestone—a chance to represent their country in an event that blends sport, culture and connection.

Valiret, the official mascot

Valiret will be the friendly face of the Games. He’s a tamarro—a mythical forest creature from the Pyrenees—given a modern and approachable look. The name was chosen through a public vote and reflects Andorra’s close link to nature, especially its rivers, which bring life and energy to the country. Valiret also nods to the past, reviving the spirit of the 1991 Games—the last time Andorra hosted the event.

A torch inspired by mountains, unity and tradition

The official torch is packed with symbolism. Designed by creative studio Aymara, its shape mimics the silhouette of Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak. Engraved at the base are the names of the country’s seven parishes, a reminder of unity and shared effort. The torch is surrounded by seven metallic rings, representing each parish. Built from stainless steel, the design is clean and sturdy, and the flame inside stands for the Olympic spirit—but also the light that guides those hiking through the mountains. The torch is set to tour all seven parishes before arriving at the National Stadium for the opening ceremony.

The cauldron – still under wraps

The cauldron design is still a secret, but we know it’s the work of Andorran sculptor Toni Cruz. Built from iron, it ties into the country’s mining heritage and aims to represent collective effort, resilience and support. Cruz wants this piece to honour not just athletes, but also the coaches, families, medical staff and volunteers who’ve helped make the journey possible. The big reveal will come on the opening night—when the torch flame arrives and the cauldron is lit to officially launch the Games.

Final touches and growing excitement

As the start date gets closer, preparations are shifting into high gear. Volunteers are in training, delegations are beginning to arrive, and training sessions are picking up pace. Everything needs to be ready—from venue signage to transport schedules between the different sites. For many in Andorra, this is a chance to show the world their warm welcome, organisational skill and love of sport.

Andorra 2025 is shaping up to be a close-knit edition where it’s not just about winning, but also about sharing. With almost everything in place, all that’s left is to welcome the teams, confirm the final names, and get things underway.

Raffaeli Triumphs at European Cup in Baku

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In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli clinched the Cross Battle title at the European Cup held in Baku. The event, which showcased some of the continent’s finest gymnasts, saw Raffaeli excel in her routines, demonstrating both technical precision and artistic flair.

Raffaeli’s performance was characterised by her fluid movements and innovative choreography, which captivated both the judges and the audience. Competing against a strong field of athletes, she managed to stand out through her ability to blend strength with grace, earning high scores across multiple apparatus.

© CONI – Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano

The Cross Battle format added an exciting twist to the competition, with gymnasts facing off in head-to-head challenges. This format not only tested their individual skills but also their ability to perform under pressure. Raffaeli navigated these challenges with poise, showcasing her extensive training and preparation.

Throughout the event, the atmosphere in Baku was electric, as fans rallied behind their favourite gymnasts. Raffaeli’s accomplishment adds to her growing list of achievements, further solidifying her reputation as one of the leading figures in European gymnastics.

 

As the competition concluded, Raffaeli expressed her gratitude for the support she received and highlighted the importance of events like these in fostering camaraderie among athletes.

Looking ahead, Raffaeli and her fellow competitors will continue to prepare for upcoming challenges, with eyes set on future competitions where they hope to further demonstrate their skills and passion for the sport.

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