2,500 young athletes competed in the 17th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) this summer, including five Monegasques. 

The festival, which took place in Maribor, Slovenia earlier this summer, brings together athletes from the ages of 14 to 18, giving them the crucial experience of an elite sporting event. Just over 2,500 athletes from 48 countries took part in 11 disciplines during this year’s EYOF.

Cyclist Andrea Cracchiolo was one of five athletes from the Principality to compete. She competed in two races, including a time trial.

Two swimmers, Esteban Faure and Lorenzo Banti, featured in the week-long festival. The former registered a 4’35″80 in the 400m freestyle and a 17’49″41 in the 1,500m freestyle. The latter competed in the 50m freestyle (26″71) and the 100m freestyle (59″51).

“I hope our young athletes can take this great momentum into their next events”

Two sprinters also competed in the event. Emma Bottin ran a 13″87 in the 100m, whilst Téo Bottin ran an 11″83 in his 100m race. The latter’s time constitutes a personal best.

Reacting to the performances of Monaco’s athletes, General Secretary of the Monegasque Olympic Committee Yvette Lambin Berti said, “This event is an opportunity to discover Olympic sport in a fair-play spirit. Throughout the week-long competition,  it’s worth pointing out the example set, not only in a sporting sense, but also in terms of strong values. I hope our young athletes can take this great momentum into their next events.”

The next edition of the event will take place in Skopje, North Macedonia in 2025.

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Photo source: Comité Olympique Monégasque