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Exclusive interview: Pol Moya looks ahead to the World Indoor Championships

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in Andorra 2025, ATH, Olympic Movement, Summer Sports. No Comments on Exclusive interview: Pol Moya looks ahead to the World Indoor Championships

The Andorran middle-distance runner reflects on his preparation, career and ambitions ahead of his next international challenge

As the World Indoor Championships approach, Andorran middle-distance runner Pol Moya arrives at a key moment in his season, combining experience and strong preparation ahead of one of the most demanding events on the international calendar.

With more than a decade in athletics and appearances at both the Olympic Games and major global competitions, Moya continues to establish himself as one of Andorra’s leading athletes. Following a consistent winter build-up, including altitude training camps and specific performance work, he now looks to translate that preparation into results on the track.

Interview

Tell us about yourself
My name is Pol Moya Betriu. I compete in athletics, mainly middle-distance, with the 1500 metres as my main event and occasionally the 800 metres.

You have a long trajectory in athletics
Yes, I’ve been in athletics for over ten years now. In fact, I was just talking about it yesterday with a teammate—it’s been 10 years since my first World Indoor Championships in Portland 2016.

The most important competitions I’ve taken part in are the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, which were held in 2021.

How has your preparation been for this World Championships?
This past year of preparation has gone really well. Since September, when pre-season started, we’ve been able to train consistently. Apart from a couple of minor setbacks, we’ve built a strong base and accumulated a lot of kilometres.

We’ve also completed two altitude training camps, one in Andorra and another in Madrid during this final week before the World Championships, where we also worked with a hypoxia chamber. I believe I’m arriving in very good condition, and now we’ll see what we can do.

What does it mean to represent Andorra and compete in events like the GSSE?
For me, taking part in the GSSE and any European or World competition is a great honour, especially representing my country. Every time we wear the Andorran jersey, we carry all our teammates and compatriots with us.

The GSSE are particularly special because, in major international events, we are not many athletes from these countries, but in these Games we come together in large numbers across different sports. It creates a strong sense of unity and team spirit.

What does qualifying for the World Indoor Championships mean to you?
Reaching the World Indoor Championships is something I’m very proud of, as it was my main goal for this winter season. Achieving it shows that we are on the right track and that we’ve accomplished our first major objective of the year.

What are your goals for this competition and the season?
For this World Championships, I have to be realistic. I would love to reach the final, and that’s my goal, but only nine athletes qualify and the level among the 30 competitors is extremely high.

That said, once we step onto the track, I will give everything. I won’t hold anything back and will compete with ambition and confidence to fight for a place in the final. The main objective was to be here, and that’s already achieved—now it’s time to enjoy the experience, and anything more will be a bonus.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, I aim to improve my personal bests in both the 800 and 1500 metres. The main goal is to compete at the European Championships in Birmingham, and potentially the Mediterranean Games, which are still to be confirmed.

What advice would you give to young athletes?
I would tell young athletes to be patient, consistent and resilient. In the end, things do come together, and when they do, this sport is one of the most rewarding there is.

When will you compete?
My race is on Friday at 18:50. I hope to give my best performance, and I encourage everyone to follow it closely. Thank you very much and a big hug to all.

A step forward on the international stage

With his race set for Friday, Pol Moya approaches the championships with ambition and determination, fully aware of the level of competition but ready to perform at his best.

Having already achieved his primary objective of qualifying, the Andorran athlete now looks to make the most of the opportunity, using this experience as a platform for the rest of the season. With personal bests to chase and major competitions ahead, the World Indoor Championships represent both a milestone and a stepping stone in his continued progression.

A Spectacular Success: The 2025 GSSE in Andorra Deliver Six Days of Sporting Magic

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, GSSE, Summer Sports. No Comments on A Spectacular Success: The 2025 GSSE in Andorra Deliver Six Days of Sporting Magic

Andorra la Vella, 2 June 2025 – The curtain has closed on the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), and what a week it was! From 26 May to 1 June, more than 1,500 athletes from nine European microstates lit up Andorra in a celebration of sport, friendship and competition.

Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino all sent their best athletes to compete across 14 disciplines, including athletics, swimming, cycling, judo, basketball, karate and more.

🏅 Final Medal Table

After six days of fierce yet friendly competition, the final standings were as follows:

🌍 Highlights by Nation

🇨🇾 Cyprus emerged as the dominant force, excelling in athletics and cycling. Their men’s 400m hurdles champion clocked an impressive 51.74 seconds, while their time trial squad claimed top honours on two wheels.

🇮🇸 Iceland shone in the pool and on the track. Sprinter Guðbjörg Jóna Bjarnadóttir grabbed bronze in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.99 seconds.

🇱🇺 Luxembourg delivered a consistent performance. The men’s 4x400m relay team stormed to gold with a strong 3:13.70 finish.

🇲🇹 Malta made waves in team sports, especially basketball and volleyball, and picked up valuable medals on the track as well.

🇦🇩 Andorra, the proud host nation, achieved its best-ever GSSE performance with 55 medals. Local heroes like Pol Moya, Nahuel Carabaña, and tennis star Vicky Jiménez ignited the home crowd with podium finishes.

🇸🇲 San Marino impressed in judo and athletics, continuing its steady medal-winning tradition.

🇱🇮 Liechtenstein made their mark in mountain biking and swimming, showing they’re a force to be reckoned with in endurance sports.

🇲🇨 Monaco picked up medals in artistic swimming and athletics, maintaining a balanced and competitive presence.

🇲🇪 Montenegro, despite a smaller squad, made notable gains in judo and middle-distance running, reflecting their ongoing sporting development.

🎉 More Than Medals

The 2025 GSSE wasn’t just about standings and results. It was a festival of unity, youth, and top-tier talent. The organisation was smooth, the venues world-class, and the energy unmatched. Fans filled the stands, volunteers worked tirelessly, and athletes delivered performances to remember.

These Games proved once again that being small doesn’t mean thinking small. The GSSE continues to showcase what sport is really about – excellence, respect and connection.

Next stop: the 2027 Games

European Canoe Slalom Elite Meet in Vaires-sur-Marne

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, Sports, Summer Sports. No Comments on European Canoe Slalom Elite Meet in Vaires-sur-Marne

The 2025 Canoe Slalom European Championships, held from 14 to 18 May in Vaires-sur-Marne (France), concluded with a strong showing from the host nation, particularly in the kayak cross discipline. The event brought together many of Europe’s top paddlers in one of the key competitions of the whitewater calendar.

Kayak Cross: Home Advantage Counts

French athletes delivered notable performances in kayak cross — a fast-paced and tactical discipline involving head-to-head racing through a slalom course.

  • Camille Prigent was crowned European champion in the women’s event, displaying consistency and control throughout the elimination rounds and final.
  • In the men’s event, Boris Neveu reached the final and stood out as one of the key performers, underlining France’s strength in the discipline.

Balanced Podiums and High-Level Competition

The championships featured strong competition across all categories, with medals shared among traditional slalom nations including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Great Britain.

Events were held in both individual and team formats across C1 (single canoe), K1 (single kayak) and kayak cross, for both men and women. The field featured a mix of experienced paddlers and emerging talents, contributing to a technically demanding and engaging championship.

For full results and further details, visit the official website of the European Canoe Association: www.canoe-europe.org

Countdown to the Start of the Games

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, EOC, GSSE, Summer Sports. No Comments on Countdown to the Start of the Games

Just two weeks to go until the Games of the Small States of Europe Andorra 2025 kick off, and you can already feel the buzz in the air. Banners are going up on lampposts and balconies, and sports venues are being fine-tuned in every detail. With the clock ticking down, we already know the key elements that will give this edition its personality: the mascot, the torch, and the cauldron have all been unveiled.

Now, all eyes are on the final team lists. National squads are putting the finishing touches on preparations, some have already announced preliminary line-ups, and the confirmed athletes for events like athletics, swimming, judo or cycling should be announced any day now. For many of these competitors, the Games are a major milestone—a chance to represent their country in an event that blends sport, culture and connection.

Valiret, the official mascot

Valiret will be the friendly face of the Games. He’s a tamarro—a mythical forest creature from the Pyrenees—given a modern and approachable look. The name was chosen through a public vote and reflects Andorra’s close link to nature, especially its rivers, which bring life and energy to the country. Valiret also nods to the past, reviving the spirit of the 1991 Games—the last time Andorra hosted the event.

A torch inspired by mountains, unity and tradition

The official torch is packed with symbolism. Designed by creative studio Aymara, its shape mimics the silhouette of Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak. Engraved at the base are the names of the country’s seven parishes, a reminder of unity and shared effort. The torch is surrounded by seven metallic rings, representing each parish. Built from stainless steel, the design is clean and sturdy, and the flame inside stands for the Olympic spirit—but also the light that guides those hiking through the mountains. The torch is set to tour all seven parishes before arriving at the National Stadium for the opening ceremony.

The cauldron – still under wraps

The cauldron design is still a secret, but we know it’s the work of Andorran sculptor Toni Cruz. Built from iron, it ties into the country’s mining heritage and aims to represent collective effort, resilience and support. Cruz wants this piece to honour not just athletes, but also the coaches, families, medical staff and volunteers who’ve helped make the journey possible. The big reveal will come on the opening night—when the torch flame arrives and the cauldron is lit to officially launch the Games.

Final touches and growing excitement

As the start date gets closer, preparations are shifting into high gear. Volunteers are in training, delegations are beginning to arrive, and training sessions are picking up pace. Everything needs to be ready—from venue signage to transport schedules between the different sites. For many in Andorra, this is a chance to show the world their warm welcome, organisational skill and love of sport.

Andorra 2025 is shaping up to be a close-knit edition where it’s not just about winning, but also about sharing. With almost everything in place, all that’s left is to welcome the teams, confirm the final names, and get things underway.