BOA name 50-strong squad for European Youth Olympic Festival

Around 3,000 athletes from 50 European nations will come together to compete in Hungary from July 23-29, with the Festival marking the first Olympic-style competition for a lot of the athletes.

Many are already embarking on the Olympic cycle for Tokyo 2020, while all 50 of those selected will be aged 14-17 by the time the event comes around.

The EYOF has previously proved a rich breeding point for Team GB, winning at least 20 medals in each of the previous 13 summer Festivals, boasting the likes of four-time Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington among its alumni.

More than 50 athletes who competed at an EYOF with Team GB then went on to represent the team at either the Beijing 2008, London 2012 or Rio 2016 Olympic Games, figures Team GB Chef de Mission Paul Ford is hopeful of repeating.

"There's a fantastic mix of sports in our delegation this year and some real pedigree among the athletes selected," he said.

"Returning home from Gyor with a haul of medals will be a great achievement for the team but the experience these athletes will get being part of a multi-sport event for the first time will be important and invaluable learning as they look to progress their sporting careers.

"We have seen a number of our senior Olympians go on to do great things after being selected for an EYOF and potentially some of the next generation of Team GB stars will be with us in Hungary."

Sportsbeat 2017