Italy topping the medal tally in rowing at Zakopane 2024

The third day of the Virtus European Winter Games concluded today in Zakopane with Italy dominating the podium in rowing and several skiers claiming their second gold medals.

Indoor Rowing

Italy dominated the podiums in Indoor rowing as four of it’s outstanding rowers win multiple medals.

Marta Piccininno (ITA) showcased her prowess on the rowing machine, clinching gold in both the Women’s II1 2000m and 1000m events, proving her dominance across varying distances.

Italy’s Francesco Saverio Di Donato’s remarkable performance was undeniable as he claimed the top spot in both the Men’s II1 2000m and 1000m races, solidifying his status as a formidable force in indoor rowing.

Marta Casetta’s (ITA) double-medal triumph exemplified her versatility and endurance, securing gold in the Women’s II2 2000m and adding a silver in the fiercely contested 1000m event.

Margherita Merlo (ITA) left spectators in awe with her exceptional rowing abilities, capturing gold in the Women’s II2 1000m race and demonstrating her endurance with a silver in the challenging 2000m competition.

Skiing: Giant Slalom

The slopes of Zakopane, Poland, witnessed remarkable feats of athleticism as skiers from across the globe showcased their skiing skills in the Giant Slalom (GS) event at the Virtus World and European Skiing Championship happening as a part of the Virtus European Winter Games.

Mélanie De Bona (FRA) clinched the top spot with an impressive combined time of 1:41.54, claiming the second gold medal from the championship. Amilia Selznick (USA) followed closely behind, securing the silver medal (1:42.70) and Eva-Maria Dünser (AUS) rounded off the podium, claiming the bronze medal (1:46.26).

In the II1 Men’s category, phenomenal French dominator Thomas Girard leading the charge. Girard’s stellar performance earned him the gold medal (1:34.93), showcasing remarkable speed and technique. His compatriot, Antoine Maure, secured the silver medal (1:37.77), while Christian Öllinger (AUS) settled for the bronze medal (1:41.02).

Anna-Sophie Friedl (AUS) delivered a stunning performance in the II2 Women’s category, clinching another gold medal (1:55.69). Stephanie Schlömmer (AUS), secured the silver medal with a time of (2:06.60), demonstrating admirable resilience on the slopes. Bea-Anna Westerstrahle of Finland showcased determination, earning the bronze medal despite facing challenges on the course.

Antoni Wiercioch from Poland emerged victorious in the II2 Men’s category, claiming the gold medal with a time of 1:50.99. Michael Konrad of Austria secured the silver medal with a time of 1:55.99, while Markus Grameiser, also from Austria, claimed the bronze medal with a time of 1:56.88.

Aleksandra Andrejko (POL) striked hatrick by winning her third gold from the championship in II3 Women’s category. With a time of 1:43.47, Aleksandra defeated Aliye Zeynep Bingül (TUR) and Whitehouse Elizabeth (USA).

In the II3 Men’s category, Axel Bringdal (FRA) claimed his second championship title with a time of 1:34.21, displaying remarkable speed and agility on the slopes. Ange Cazorla (FRA) and Palmer Lyons (USA) secured silver and bronze for themselves.

Basketball:

The semifinal games are scheduled between Poland and Portugal, as well as France-I and France-II. It will be intriguing to observe whether Portugal, champions of the European championship for two consecutive years, can secure a third consecutive championship title, or if another team will emerge victorious.

Futsal:

Poland and Spain are set to compete for the bronze medal position, while the final showdown promises excitement as perennial rivals Portugal, reigning Virtus Global Games Champions, and France, runners-up in GG2023, prepare to clash once more.