Europe's Freestyle Champion Crowned: Madalena Costa from Portugal
In a remarkable display of talent, 16-year-old Madalena Costa from Portugal has clinched the European roller skating free skating title. This marks the second consecutive day that Portugal has achieved podium finishes at the Trieste competition.
Madalena's victory comes after a series of impressive performances by her fellow Portuguese junior athletes. João Pedro Cruz, another rising star, has also secured a podium finish at Trieste. The junior category has been particularly successful for Portuguese athletes at the competition.
Madalena's triumph in the senior category, however, holds a special significance. She is the first junior to win the senior program, and the youngest female athlete to achieve this feat in her first junior year. This makes her achievement even more noteworthy.
In the total of both short and long programs, Madalena scored an impressive 251.11 points, outscoring all other competitors in both genders. This is a testament to her skill and dedication.
Madalena's next challenge will be at the World Championships in Beijing, starting on October 20. She will be joining her fellow Portuguese rollerskaters Rodrigo Garcia, Catarina Sousa, and Miguel Ribeiro, who are also participating in the World Championships in Beijing.
Spain's Sira Gallardo and Italy's Gioia Fiori finished second and third respectively, scoring 199.38 and 182.48 points respectively. It's worth noting that all three podium finishes for Portugal at Trieste have been in the junior category.
Madalena, who considers being the European champion in the highest category as the fulfillment of a dream she had since she was young, expressed her joy and gratitude after her win. She said, "I am overwhelmed with happiness. This title means everything to me. I have worked hard for this moment, and it feels amazing to have finally achieved it."
Portugal has secured a fourth podium at Trieste, following Rita Azinheira's gold and Martim Rodrigues' silver, both in the junior category. The country's success at the Trieste competition is a promising sign for the future of Portuguese roller skating.
Madalena Costa, Rita Azinheira, Martim Rodrigues, and João Pedro Cruz are all part of a new generation of talented Portuguese rollerskaters who are making waves in the sport. Their success at the Trieste competition and the upcoming World Championships in Beijing are sure to inspire more young athletes to take up roller skating.
