First Champions Crowned at Zakopane 2024, First Virtus European Winter Games

History was made in Zakopane, Poland, as the inaugural Virtus Winter Games crowned its champions, marking a significant moment in skiing and indoor rowing history. Athletes from across Europe and select nations worldwide showcased their remarkable skill and determination in the thrilling competitions, highlighting the talent and resilience of participants with intellectual impairments.

SKIING: Super Giant Slalom (SGS)

In the II1 Women’s Super Giant Slalom, Mélanie De Bona from France secured the top spot with an impressive time of 43.64 seconds. Amilia Selznick representing the USA followed closely behind, achieving a time of 45.97 seconds, just 2.33 seconds behind the leader and Tamami Baba of Japan finished third with a time of 46.81 seconds, trailing by 3.17 seconds.

Aoshi Kanazawa from Japan claimed the top position in the II1 Men’s category with an impressive time of 40.74 seconds. Thomas Girard of France secured second place with a time of 41.05 seconds, just 0.31 seconds behind the leader. Yusuke Kizuki, also from Japan, took the third spot with a time of 42.76 seconds, trailing by 2.02 seconds.

In the II2 Women’s category, Austrians dominated the podium with Anna-Sophie Friedl from Austria (49.14 seconds) claiming the gold and Stephanie Schlömmer (51.09 seconds) securing herself a silver. Bea-Anna Westerstrahle of Finland finished third with a time of 59.90 seconds, trailing by 10.76 seconds.

Antoni Wiercioch from Poland claimed the top spot in the II2 Men’s category with a remarkable time of 47.71 seconds. Markus Grameiser of Austria secured second place with a time of 48.31 seconds, 0.60 seconds behind the leader. Klemens Zieba, also from Poland, took the third position with a time of 49.20 seconds, trailing by 1.49 seconds.

In the II3 Women’s category, Aleksandra Andrejko from Poland secured the top spot with an impressive time of 42.90 seconds. Elizabeth Whitehouse representing the USA finished second with a time of 57.03 seconds, trailing by 14.13 seconds. Aliye Zeynep Bingül from Turkey took the third position with a time of 59.36 seconds, trailing by 16.46 seconds.

Axel Bringdal of France claimed victory in the II3 Men’s category with a remarkable time of 40.95 seconds. Ange Cazorla, also from France, secured second place with a time of 41.82 seconds, 0.87 seconds behind the leader. Palmer Lyons representing the USA finished third with a time of 42.29 seconds, trailing by 1.34 seconds.

INDOOR ROWING: 500m

Awe-inspiring performances unfolded in the 500m women’s race. Adriana Czekaj of Poland surged to victory in the II1 division, clocking a lightning-fast time of 1:51.5, closely pursued by Italy’s Marta Piccininno at 1:52.8. France’s Clémence Wattecampps showcased her finesse, clinching third place with a time of 1:54.3.

The intensity continued as Marta Casetta of Italy dominated the II2 category, crossing the finish line in 2:31.9, trailed by compatriot Margherita Merlo at 2:37.5. Meanwhile, Nadège Dathy of France showcased sheer determination, securing third place in the II2 division with a time of 2:45.2.

In the men’s category, France’s Damien Touchagues left spectators in awe with his stellar performance, conquering the II1 division in 1:29.3. Italy’s Francesco Saverio Di Donato closely trailed behind at 1:29.5, while Giulio Guerra exhibited his prowess, finishing third in the II1 division with a time of 1:31.4.

The excitement soared as Andrea Appendino of Italy dominated the II2 category, showcasing extraordinary skill with a top spot finish in 1:53.9. Lorenzo Sforza of Italy followed closely at 1:56.7, while Dylan Lorec Berjuin of France delivered a commendable performance, securing third place in the II2 division with a time of 1:59.9.

Not to be outdone, Théodore Chatel of France emerged victorious in the II3 category, setting the pace with a stellar time of 1:28.3. Lorenzo Mazzoletti of Italy showcased his strength, securing second place with a time of 1:29.1, rounding off a day of remarkable achievements and fierce competition.

In the thrilling 4×500-meter relay, Team France showcased their dominance with a remarkable time of 7:01.7, led by the stellar performances of Clementine Berland, Clémence Wattecampps, Ehenne Kolialis, and Damien Touchagues. Italy followed closely behind, securing second place with a time of 7:12.1, led by Francesco Saverio Di Donato, Giulio Guerra, Serena Giorgetti, and Marta Piccininno. The combined efforts of Poland and Portugal earned them third place with a time of 7:22.8, with Jorge Sousa, Adriana Czekaj, Vasco Vicente, and Agata Pitura showcasing commendable teamwork. In the 4×500 II 2 category, Italy continued their winning streak with a time of 9:12.5, while Team France secured second place with a time of 9:37.1.

Live streams of all sports will be available on Virtus social media and YouTube channels.

Stay updated with event highlights at Virtus Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on all competition days between 3rd March to 8th March. Event information can be accessed from the Virtus European Winter Games website.