Paris 2003
27th Jul 2003 – 3rd Aug 2003
About
Team Ireland competed at the 2003 EYOF in Paris and secured two medals, both won by talented middle-distance runner Colin Costello. Ireland finished the Games with one silver and one bronze medal, placing 33rd on the medal table. Costello emerged as one of the standout athletes of the Irish delegation. He claimed silver in the 1500m and followed it up with bronze in the 2000m steeplechase, becoming Ireland's sole medallist at the Games. The Paris EYOF was significant not only because of Costello's achievements but also because it was the first edition officially known as the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) after the event's rebranding from the European Youth Olympic Days (EYOD). Katie Taylor, who went on the win a gold medal in Boxing at the 2012 London Olympic Games, was a key player on the girls' football team underlining her fantastic athletic ability.
