The British Olympic Association (BOA) has today announced a team of 16 swimmers among the the 54 athletes selected to represent Team GB at the Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).
Running from the 20th – 26th July, Team GB’s young athletes, all aged between 13 and 18, will compete in 10 of the 15 disciplines on the programme: artistic gymnastics, badminton, basketball 3x3, canoe slalom, judo, mountain bike, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo.
It is the largest squad Team GB have selected for an EYOF since 2009, with the majority of athletes taking to the action in venues across the North Macedonian capital, while the cyclists will be competing a short distance away in the country’s second largest city Kumanovo and the gymnasts set up in Osijek, Croatia.
EYOFs play an important role in the development of young British athletes, providing crucial multi-sport event experience and guiding them towards realising their Olympic ambitions as they compete alongside over 4,000 athletes from 48 countries.
This year’s British delegation will follow in the footsteps of some of Team GB's most recognisable stars who themselves represented Team GB at youth events before going on to compete at a senior Olympic Games, including Nile Wilson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Duncan Scott, who’s eight Olympic medals make him Britain’s most successful EYOF alumni.
These names provide huge inspiration for many, including 15-year-old swimmer Kaiden Hitchins, who said: “I’m over the moon to be selected for Team GB. I’m sure I could speak for every British athlete when I say it’s one of those things you dream about happening.
“It feels surreal to be following in Duncan’s [Scott] footsteps, but hopefully I can use this experience as a huge stepping stone for the rest of my career like he did.”
Two-time Olympic swimmer Anna Hopkin will take on the role of Athlete Ambassador for Skopje, offering advice and support as the athletes come together as one Team GB.
The gold medallist from Tokyo 2020 said: “I am very proud to be named the Athlete Ambassador for the Skopje European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. I have always been very passionate about sport and Team GB is such an incredibly special team. To have the chance to hopefully inspire and pass on knowledge to the next generation is something that I am really looking forward to.”
“Having been just like our young athletes working hard and dreaming of the future, I know exactly how they are feeling. So, I’ll be looking to give them some useful information to make sure they can best use this opportunity to further their careers.”
Rachel Smith, who captained Team GB’s rhythmic gymnastics team during London 2012 and has now been selected as Chef de Mission for Skopje 2025, said: “It is a genuine honour to be named Chef de Mission for Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje. For many of our athletes, this will be their first opportunity to wear the Team GB kit and connect with the Olympic Movement. A truly memorable experience and significant milestone in any athlete’s journey.
“The EYOF represents more than just a competition; it is where many of our Olympians began their journey with Team GB. Skopje 2025 will provide our next generation of athletes with a valuable introduction to a multi-sport environment and a platform to continue exploring their own version of extraordinary. I am looking forward to seeing the team in action and hope it proves to be a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
Team GB Swimming team for Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (20th-26th July 2025)
- Lois Child, Leeds
- Lydia Cordle, Derby
- Jasmine Hall, Old Harlow
- Josephine Lawn, Bromley
- Lili Mundell, Galashiels
- Olivia Robins, Stourbridge
- Gisella Silano, Haslemere
- Darcey Smith, Fareham
- Benjamin Beale, Durham
- Kaiden Hitchins, Smethwick
- Austyn Manley, Derby
- Patryk Przyczyna, Eastbourne
- Nikolai Sisnett, Glasgow
- Tyler Stone, Norwich
- Xander Tovey, Dunchurch
- William Wilson, Leeds
Visit the Team GB website for the full announcement of all athletes selected across all sports, while you can find further information about Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) on the official event website.