Yesterday evening, Bo Guttormsdottir-Frost, Coen Gilbert and Evan McPhillipsled Team GB into the Closing Ceremony of the Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), marking the end of a six-day competition where Team GB returned 22 medals.
Guttormsdottir-Frost and Gilbert carried the flag into the Jane Sandanski stadium in Skopje, while McPhillips led the team in Osijek, Croatia. The trio were chosen not only for their performances on the field of play, but also for proving to be outstanding ambassadors for Team GB.
Guttormsdottir-Frost was selected as flagbearer for proving to be an exemplary role model to her teammates. On the court, she ended the 3×3 basketball tournament as Great Britain’s top point scorer as they made history as the nation’s first team in the discipline at an EYOF, and off it she was a constant beacon of positivity and support.
She said: “It’s been such an honour to be here with Team GB and help the girls do the best we can. I have so much respect for everyone here and how much work they’ve put in get to this competition, so I’ve really enjoyed sharing their happiness and joy.
“I really enjoyed the closing ceremony and walking across the stage with Coen and the flag was such an incredible feeling because I never thought I’d be in a situation like that.”
Likewise, after narrowly missing out on bronze, it was everything away from the field-of-play that led to the selection of judoka Gilbert as flagbearer. His bright personality, infectious attitude and commitment to bringing the team together shone bright throughout the week.
The 16-year-oldsaid: “Judo is obviously an individual sport, but I’ve really enjoyed being around others, supporting them and trying to learn as much as possible.
“It was a huge honour to represent everyone out here in Skopje and back home by carrying the flag.”
And in Osijek, Team GB’s gymnastics squad enjoyed a range of success over four days of competition, with McPhillips selected as flagbearer after winning 3 gold medals in the team all-around, individual all-around and floor.
McPhillips said: “I was incredibly proud to be selected as the flagbearer. I’ve had an amazing week to say the least.
“Winning three gold medals has been incredible. I have no words really. I’m just really proud of what I have been able to achieve and experience.”
Guttormsdottir-Frost, Gilbert and McPhillips were told of their flag bearing honours by Team GB Chef de Mission Rachel Smith in front of the other athletes and support staff.
Smith said: “The whole team have done so well this week and should all be extremely proud of themselves. I’m delighted that Bo, Coen and Evan accepted the invitation to represent and lead the team out at the Closing Ceremony of Skopje 2025.
“As Chef de Mission, I couldn’t ask for a better example of what we look for in our athletes than Bo. Her excellence on the field of play was clear to see, but she also proved to be a fantastic teammate for everyone at Team GB when away from the court.”
“Coen was exceptional throughout the Games. Everything from his determination and confidence before competition, to his genuine interest in, and high hopes for, the rest of the team. We hope he continues to be the brilliant person he has shown himself to be, and enjoys plenty of success down the line.”
“The three gold medals speak for themselves, but Evan brought a special energy to the team environment which has no doubt had a massive influence on our gymnastics success.”
Alongside Guttormsdottir-Frost, Gilbert and McPhillips, Smith also commended the standout performances of Austyn Manley after he won five medals in the pool, and Isha Mekala and Kalyan Manoj, who brought home Team GB’s first badminton medals at an EYOF in over 25 years – including the first ever Team GB gold in the boy’s event from Manoj.
View every result from Skopje 2025 EYOF here.
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