These 6 things to know before the 20th Games of the Small States of Europe kick off in Andorra

In Montenegro (2019), swimmer Cassandra Petit made a strong impression by winning no fewer than 9 medals (6 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze), setting a record for a single edition. In Andorra (2005), François-Xavier Paquot (swimming) distinguished himself by collecting 9 medals (1 silver and 8 bronze). In Malta (2023), Giulia Viacava distinguished herself with 7 medals (3 gold, 4 bronze). An exceptionally early performance for this athlete, then just 17 years old, who will also be present in Andorra.

Eric Lanza, the 13th pass

In shooting, he holds the record for participation, with twelve editions to his name: Liechtenstein 1999, San Marino 2001, Malta 2003, Andorra 2005, Monaco 2007, Cyprus 2009, Liechtenstein 2011, Luxembourg 2013, Iceland 2015, San Marino 2017, Montenegro 2019 and Malta 2023. At 52 years old, the 10-meter rifle specialist shooter is preparing to compete in his 13th Games, with the ambition of adding a new medal to his already well-stocked collection: 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze. Also in his sights is a future participation in 2027 in Monaco, twenty years later.

The youngest and the eldest

Swimmer Eliza Nikandrov , who will celebrate her 14th birthday on May 25, will be the youngest member of the Monegasque delegation competing in Andorra. For her very first appearance, her program promises to be particularly busy: 800m and 1,500m freestyle, 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 200m breaststroke, 200m medley, 4x100m medley relay and 4x200m freestyle. Bernard Amadei (68 years old) will be the eldest of the athletes. The shooter from the Principality (first participation) will compete in the clay pigeon shooting event.

2007, the last time in Monaco

For the second edition of the Games held in Monaco (the first in 1987), the Monegasque Olympic Committee mobilized a delegation of 123 athletes competing in 12 disciplines . The opening ceremony was held at Port Hercule on June 4, and the closing ceremony at Place du Palais on June 9. On home soil, the Monegasques won a total of 52 medals (19 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze).

565 medals won since 1985

Since participating in the Games (San Marino 1985), Monaco has accumulated a total of 565 medals in 19 editions : 147 gold, 168 silver, and 250 bronze. These remarkable performances place the Principality in 4th place among the 9 competing nations. [Above, the Monegasque medalists at the 19th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe in Malta.]

Henry Rey, the visionary

In 1985, only Monegasque athletes or those who had resided in Monaco for three years could participate in the San Marino Games, severely limiting the delegation. In 1987, Mr. Henry Rey , then president of the Executive Committee of the Games of the Small States of Europe, extended this criterion to neighboring municipalities. Still in force, this measure allows Monaco to field more numerous and competitive teams, more representative of Monegasque sport, contributing to its 4th place in the general ranking.