The Skyrunner® World Series has named the brand-new under 23 ranking ‘U23 TROFEO ESTEBAN OLIVERO’ – in memory of Esteban Olivero, a young Skyrunner who tragically lost his life late last year.
The new ranking aims to support, highlight and protect young athletes coming into the sport and provide a platform for them to be recognised whilst still encouraging a safe and healthy race environment. The ranking will offer separate prize money for the top three, a separate points system and separate winner’s bib.
The category will only be available to athletes aged under 23 before the final. The ranking will take into consideration the young athlete’s best TWO race results plus the FINAL. Athletes can ONLY score points for the U23 ranking at selected YOUTH RACES. These races are all official Skyrunner® World Series races, therefore the same course as the adults, but have been selected because they are less distance and elevation compared to other races in the circuit. Only the final will be a separate race with less distance than the Skyrunner® World Series SkyMasters.
The following races shall award points for the U23 Ranking:
Calamorro Skyrace – Spain
Skyrace des Matheysins – France
Skyrace des Gorges du Tarn – France
Skyrace du Mercantour – France
Cordillera Blanca Skyrace – Peru
2Peaks Skyrace – South Korea
Sagalassos Skyrace – Spain
Marató dels Dements – Spain
A TRIBUTE
With the blessing of his family, the trophy will be in memory of Esteban Olivero. Olivero joined the circuit in 2023 and after only a few races, he had already left his mark on the skyrunning world – not only as a champion but also as a genuine and kind person and a true sportsman. Esteban signed up to the 2024 season, however, sadly passed away in a skiing accident shortly before Christmas. Esteban was only 22 when he died. He represented the future of the sport.
Seana Forbes, Skyrunner® World Series Athlete Manager comments:
“Esteban’s trophy is there to keep his spirit alive, to inspire young athletes to be the best they can be – as an athlete and simply as a person. It is also a reminder to us all that racing and competition isn’t everything. Life is short and we should enjoy it while we can and not get too caught up in the stress and pressure of elite competition.
Together with Esteban’s family, we hope this ranking will help to encourage more support for young athletes from federations, sponsors and teams and promote a healthy, happy and safe racing environment to kick start their careers as athletes.”
The 2024 season kicks off this March 2nd with Acantilados Skyrace on La Palma followed by the first YOUTH race, Calamorro Skyrace on April 6th.
