The sands of Baden, the picturesque setting for the 2025 U22 European Beach Volleyball Championship, recently bore witness to a compelling demonstration of emerging talent and national ambition. In a tournament that underscored the sport`s burgeoning global reach and the bright future of its young athletes, both Ukraine and France etched their names into the history books, securing their very first gold medals in this prestigious age category. This dual triumph signals a shift in the continental beach volleyball landscape, heralding a new era where rising nations challenge established powerhouses.
Ukraine`s Golden Ascent in the Women`s Tournament
For Ukraine, the victory of Daria Romaniuk and Yeva Serdiuk in the women`s event was more than just a U22 title; it was a continuation of an extraordinary period for Ukrainian beach volleyball. This gold medal followed closely on the heels of Maryna Hladun and Tetiana Lazarenko`s senior EuroBeachVolley triumph just weeks prior, illustrating a systemic surge in performance across different age groups.
Romaniuk, 21, and Serdiuk, 21, demonstrated remarkable composure and skill throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive two-set victory (21-16, 21-18) over the defending champions, Czech twins Anna and Katerina Pavelková, in the gold medal match. This win was particularly sweet for the Ukrainian duo, who had narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish in the previous U22 Championship. Their consistent progression, including a silver medal at the U18 EuroBeachVolley in 2021 and a gold at the FIVB U19 World Championship in 2022, speaks volumes about their dedication and potential.
The women`s podium was completed by Malgorzata Ciezkowska and Urszula Lunio of Poland, who secured the bronze medal in a gripping tie-breaker against Swiss pair Muriel Bossart and Leona Kernen (21-23, 22-20, 15-13). Their second consecutive podium finish at the U22 championship further solidifies their status as formidable contenders.
France`s Breakthrough: Rotar and Canet Dominate the Men`s Field
The men`s tournament saw a clash of titans in the final, where France`s Téo Rotar, 21, and Arthur Canet, 20, delivered a masterful performance to defeat Latvians Kristians Fokerots and Olivers Bulgacs in straight sets (21-14, 21-18). This victory marked France`s inaugural U22 European Championship title, a testament to the methodical development of their youth program.
Rotar and Canet are no strangers to the top of the podium, boasting an impressive resume that includes gold medals at the U20 European Championship in 2023 and the FIVB U19 World Championship in 2021. Their journey to this U22 gold, following a bronze medal in the same event last year, highlights a consistent upward trajectory. Rotar`s previous contribution to France`s triumph at the CEV Beach Nations Cup further underscores the depth of talent emerging from the French setup.
The final also presented a significant challenge to Latvian phenom Kristians Fokerots, whose remarkable run of continental titles in various age groups (U18, U20, and senior) was brought to a halt by the resolute French pair. While Fokerots`s talent remains undeniable, the French duo`s victory serves as a potent reminder that in elite competition, every match is a new narrative, regardless of past achievements.
The bronze medal in the men`s event was claimed by the host nation`s own Tim Berger and Timo Hammarberg of Austria, who delighted the local crowd with a convincing straight-set win (21-18, 21-8) over Lithuanians Karolis Palubinskas and Povilas Piesina.
The Future is Bright: A Look Ahead
The U22 European Championship in Baden not only celebrated new champions but also provided a compelling glimpse into the future of beach volleyball. The historic first titles for Ukraine and France symbolize a healthy expansion of competitive nations, ensuring that the sport remains dynamic and unpredictable. As these young athletes continue to hone their skills, the level of competition at both continental and international stages is poised for an exciting elevation.
The momentum built in Baden is set to continue as the beach volleyball community now looks forward to the U20 European Championship, scheduled to take place in Madrid, Spain, from Thursday to Sunday next week. These junior events are crucial proving grounds, nurturing the next generation of stars who will undoubtedly shape the sport for years to come. The future of beach volleyball, it seems, is in very capable and dynamic young hands.
Torin Vale