The 18th Summer European Youth Olympic Festival, known as EYOF Skopje 2025, delivered a week of unforgettable youth sport, unity, and cultural resonance in Macedonia’s capital and surroundings. More than 4,000 athletes from 50 European delegations gathered for a celebration of excellence and friendship.

EYOF 2025: Sporting highlights and records set…

Italy topped the medal table for the third consecutive Summer EYOF with 19 golds, 19 silvers and 12 bronzes. Close behind, France claimed 15 golds, then, five nations: Spain, Türkiye, Great Britain, Poland, and Hungary, each with 10 gold medals. Impressively, 31 of 50 teams finished with at least one medal.

But, more than a country’s performance, it’s about athletes, and their own performances that count, and they succeeded, with so many personal bests, as well as world and European records broken.

WORLD RECORD:

• Allika Inkeri Moser (Estonia): Estonian Allika Inkeri Moser cleared 4.52 metres in the women’s pole vault, a new U18 world record. First day, first gold medal in athletics for the EYOF and first broken record of the week. “I am really happy for this opportunity to first of all compete here, and I am really happy to bring home a gold medal,“ Moser said. “That world record also still seems so unreal to me!” EOC Channel

EUROPEAN RECORD:

• Elif Berfin Altun (Turkey): With a score of 421.2 in women’s 10m air rifle, Elif Berfin Altun not only  won the gold medal at the Partizan N.N. Borce Sports Hall, but also broke the U18 European record.
• Kelly Doualla (Italy): Kelly Doualla set a European under 18 record by winning the women’s 100 m in a brilliant 11.21 seconds.

While the sporting performances were red-hot, so was the weather. Throughout the week, Skopje and Kumanovo experienced a persistent heatwave, with daytime temperatures above 40°C. Athletes, volunteers, and spectators had to contend with intense sun and dry conditions, which added a layer of physical and mental challenge to nearly every event. Hydration stations were increased across all venues, competition schedules were adjusted where possible, to avoid peak afternoon heat, and medical teams remained on high alert. Despite the sweltering conditions, the resilience of the athletes stood out, especially in endurance events like cycling, athletics, and canoe slalom. “It was like competing in an oven,” remarked one young French cyclist. The weather became further proof of the athletes’ grit.

Behind the scenes of these performances, there were volunteers. And it’s more than 700 volunteers that  helped make EYOF Skopje 2025 a success, working in transport, venues, NOC support, media, logistics, or medical teams… When small problems came up, like delays or changes in plans, the volunteers were quick to find solutions. Many gave more time and energy than expected, showing true dedication for the event. Thanks to them, the event ran smoothly and felt warm and welcoming. 

EYOF 2025: Beyond sport…

MACEDONIAN CULTURE: EYOF 2025 was also an opportunity to share about Macedonian culture and tradition. The opening ceremony on 20 July at Jane Sandanski Arena featured traditional music, dance, and the official anthem “Together We Shine” performed by young Macedonian artists Lara Ivanova, Sarah Mace, Yang Daddi, and Aleksandar Tarabunov. The closing ceremony on 26 July was also symbolic, with a performance by electronic music icon Kiril Dzajkovski.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: Skopje marked the 9th edition of the EYOA programme, with 27 ambassadors supported by 7 alumni hosting interactive cultural and educational initiatives in dormitories like Goce Delchev. The goal: reinforce Olympic values, forge cross-national friendships, and give athletes creative breaks between competition. Ambassadors such as Zarja Tavčar (Slovenia, judo 2017 medalist) shared their experiences. “I love sport, and this was just an opportunity to give back to sport in a different way. I like meeting people and giving young athletes a new look at sport… Sport is not just a competition, and events like this can bring more people together.” Zarja Tavčar, former judoka and EYOA Ambassador.

MACEDONIAN EMPOWERMENT: EYOF Skopje 2025 is more than just results on a scoreboard, it’s a catalyst for long-term transformation. It led to new investments in sports facilities, so young athletes in Macedonia can keep training in top-quality venues. It also encouraged more young people to get involved in sports, inspired by what they saw during the event. For many local athletes, it was their first time competing in front of a home crowd, a moment of pride that officials hope will lead to more success in the future. And, finally, the event improved Macedonia’s image in Europe, showing that the country can host major international events with warmth, energy, and professionalism. At the press briefing, Daniel Dimevski, Skopje 2025 organisation head, spoke of the nation’s pride: “What we witnessed throughout EYOF Skopje 2025 was far more than just sports competitions. It was a celebration of youth, of sincere friendship, of mutual respect, and an inspiring spirit that brought us all together. These young athletes reminded us of the true Olympic values – unity, passion, and excellence”, said President Dimevski.

EYOF Skopje 2025 wasn’t just an event. It was a statement: that youth sport can unite, uplift, and help shape a brighter, more inclusive Europe. As the EOC flag flies north to Italy for 2027, Skopje leaves a legacy of energy, ambition, and the promise that, truly, together we shine!

See you in Lignano Sabbiadoro, in  2027!

Youna Léauté-Guillet