The Luxembourg Hockey Federation can look back on an extraordinary moment in the history of the national sport. At the EuroHockey Qualifiers II in Helsinki, both the women's and men's national teams stunned the competition to bring home a medal apiece, gold for the women and bronze for the men. Both teams made it onto the podium. This has never been achieved before.
The women's national team, coached by Natalia Garcia Delvalle, took gold in a dramatic final against Hungary. Luxembourg had gone ahead in the first quarter thanks to a smart tip-in from Maude de Cooman. Hungary managed to draw level in the closing minutes, sending the game to a nerve-shredding shoot-out.
At this decisive moment, goalkeeper Chloé Heal put in an exceptional performance. She saved four out of five Hungarian shots, sealing a historic gold medal. The win carries added weight given that it came at the legendary Helsinki Olympic Stadium, the very venue where Josy Barthel won Luxembourg's only Olympic gold medal 74 years ago.
The historic day was made even sweeter by the men's bronze. Coach Fede Tanuscio's side also came through the third-place match against Malta in a shoot-out. Just before full time, Frédéric Schmit netted the 1-1 equaliser. Here too, the goalkeeper had a starring role, with Guillaume Mackel's strong showing helping Luxembourg secure the bronze.
With gold in hand, the women have qualified for the EuroHockey Championship II 2027 and will move up to the EuroHockey Qualifier I in 2028. something never before reached by a European nation of Luxembourg's size.
