The Winter Youth Olympic Games come to an end on Thursday. The German team returns with the best medal haul from youth games to date.
Nine times gold, five silver and six bronze: the German team’s record at the Winter Youth Olympic Games is impressive. For 13 days, the young athletes fought for precious metal in Gangwon, South Korea. It was the best result by a German team to date at the Games.
Germany ended up in second place in the medal table. Only the Italians (11/3/4) were more successful than “Team D” with their yield.
“We are satisfied with the overall balance of numerous personal best performances, 46 placements among the top eight athletes of their year worldwide and a total of 20 podium places” said Olaf Thabor, Chef de Mission of the German Olympic team.
Sonnenkalb and Moch tower above
The German team collected medals in ten different sports. Cross-country skier Jakob Moch secured the last gold of the day with the cross-country mixed relay. Friedrich Moch’s younger brother also won silver in the sprint and gold in the 7.5 kilometers in classic style.
Only speed skater Finn Sonnekalb was more successful. The 16-year-old from Erfurt won gold in the 500 meters and 1,500 meters and also won the mass start.
No venue for 2028 yet
The Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea were only the fourth Games and the first to take place outside of Europe. Before that they were held in Innsbruck, Lillehammer and Lausanne. Thomas Bach still left it open where the upcoming Winter Youth Olympic Games will take place.
“Our commission, which is responsible for this, needs a little more time to evaluate different projects and then decide which would be the most suitable location for 2028,” said the IOC president at his final press conference. A decision will probably not be made until 2025, which is why there will be no flag handover at the closing ceremony for the first time.