With less than two weeks to go until the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia, we can reflect with former champions. First up is Ibrahim TATAROGLU of Türkiye, who not only claimed the gold medal once, but twice in Maribor, 2023.
How was it to compete in such a prestigious event?
It was an incredible experience, definitely one of the best competitions I’ve ever taken part in, especially because I won gold in the individual event and again with my team the next day. It’s such a special event because it brings together young athletes from all over Europe. Feeling that connection for the first time was truly amazing.
Tataroglu is still only 19 years old, and lays claim to many achievements, and though this is a stand out one, it was important for the then-17 year old to be on top of the podium in the EYOF.
Honestly, I felt a strong sense of responsibility because I had lost my final at the European Championships just about a month before EYOF. I really wanted to win gold this time, and I still remember how deeply grateful I was to God when I achieved it.
This experience may have laid the groundwork and expectations for a multi sport event and give recognition to the sport, but in 2024 he earned his place on the Olympic team and had a lifetime opportunity to compete in Paris.
Olympics were on a completely different level. It made me realize how much more there is to strive for.
The European Youth Olympic Festival promotes the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. These values are central to the EYOF experience, which aims to provide young athletes with an Olympic-like environment to compete and learn about the Olympic Movement. Of course, judo promotes just the same and it was felt,
Yes, they are very similar. In judo we learn respect and friendship, and you feel the same at EYOF. It’s a really good mix!
The current Junior European Champion and Junior World bronze medallist is a testament to the hard work and perseverance, living out and EYOF and Olympic dream in the space of a year, and already has the knowledge to pass on to younger athletes
I just want to let them know—they’re about to experience one of the best events they’ll ever take part in during their career. Enjoy every moment!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen