The past season was especially meaningful for Jefimova, who highlighted a major change in her career after moving to a new training environment. Alongside her senior-level success, she captured two European titles in short-course swimming and became a double junior European champion, also earning the Female Youth Athlete of the Year distinction.
“This year has been especially meaningful for me because I moved into a new environment. It is a very good sign that I was able to prove I am capable of swimming fast and that moving there was the right decision. I would like to thank my coaches, Henry and Stefan. We will meet here again in the new year,” Jefimova said.
Her coaches, Henry Hein and Stefani Wendelschaefer, were jointly recognized as Coaches of the Year.
Johannes Erm, named Male Athlete of the Year, admitted that the recognition came as a surprise, particularly given the physical challenges he faced during the season.
“I can’t say this was more special, because the first time is always powerful, but it was a surprise. I thought swimmer Ralf Tribuntsov would win, as he also wins medals in backstroke,” Erm said.
He added that the year included two surgeries and a demanding rehabilitation process.
“I underwent two surgeries this year and gave everything I had to make a successful comeback. I hope next year will be easier for me.”
The gala also celebrated the Estonian women’s épée fencing team, whose remarkable season included a standout victory on the international stage. Competing in the Vancouver World Cup, the squad - consisting of Julia Beljajeva, Irina Embrich, and Katrina Lehis — secured gold in the team event, defeating top-ranked national teams in a commanding final performance. The win was achieved despite the team competing without a head coach and missing its fourth member, demonstrating resilience and tactical strength throughout the tournament.
Youth honors were awarded to biathlete Jakob Kulbin, while the Veteran Athlete of the Year title went to underwater swimmer Eili Paap. Para-Athletes of the Year were para-curler Kätlin Riidebach and three-time Deaflympic athletics champion Tanel Visnap.
The evening also highlighted broader contributions to Estonian sport. The Eestimaa Spordihing 2025 recognition was awarded to swimming advocate Tõnu Meijel. For the first time, the gala introduced the “Terve Eesti eest!” movement awards, honoring initiatives that promote physical activity across society, while the Eestimaa Sports Club title went to gymnastics club Rütmika in its 35th year of activity. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Eesti Kultuurkapital Physical Culture and Sport annual awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work has shaped Estonia’s sporting landscape.
Voting for Athlete of the Year involved 49 sports journalists, 69 sports
organizations, and 135,428 public voters, reflecting strong nationwide
engagement and broad recognition of excellence in Estonian sport.
Photos can be found here