Sweden Celebrates Opening of 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje
Sweden's delegation of 40 athletes officially celebrates the opening of the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje.
Key Points
- • The EYOF has started in Skopje, North Macedonia with Sweden represented by 40 athletes.
- • The opening ceremony featured Swedish flag bearers Felicia Bjärnlöv and Emil Thomsson.
- • Truppchef Johan Flodin emphasized the significance of experience for young athletes.
- • Competitions will start on Monday, July 21, and conclude on Saturday, July 26.
The 18th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) has officially commenced in Skopje, North Macedonia, with Sweden fielding a delegation of 40 athletes across nine different sports. The Truppchef, Johan Flodin, expressed excitement about the atmosphere among the Swedish team, stating, "It is so fun to finally be here in Skopje, and there is an expectant atmosphere in the team."
The festival aims to provide a significant platform for young athletes aged 14-18, bringing together around 4,000 participants from nearly 50 countries. Flodin emphasized the event's focus not only on competition but also on experience and networking, noting that for many of the athletes, this will be their first chance to compete at such a prestigious level. He remarked on the importance of learning and making connections during this Olympic-like experience.
The opening ceremony featured Swedish flag bearers Felicia Bjärnlöv, a discus thrower, and Emil Thomsson, a shooter, both expressing their honors and nerves at this significant role. Bjärnlöv shared, "It was a shock, I wasn’t prepared for it," while Thomsson remarked, "It’s exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking." The competitions are set to begin on Monday morning, July 21, with events like athletics, swimming, and badminton, concluding on Saturday, July 26.