Jefimova just turned 17, and had a great 2023, culminating in her winning gold at European Short Course Swimming Championships this month, in the 100-meter breaststroke – the first Estonian to do so. The swimmer has also qualified for the Paris Olympics next year. Jefimova was also nominated as the Young Athlete of the Year as she won six junior title medals in 2023.
"It's an honor to win titles like this, amid such strong competition. I don't think I've even been so nervous before a competition!"
Henry Hein, Jefimova's coach as noted, is the first swimming trainer to have been awarded coach of the year,. Furthermore, he is one of the youngest ever to have bagged the prize. "Eneli: dream big, work hard and trust the process. Your abilities have no limits," said Hein in his acceptance speech.
Tilga, 25-year-old decathlete won
the male athlete of the year award. He finished fourth in this year's World Athletics
championships in Budapest. „I want to thank all the people who made this possible," Tilga said.
The gala was held to celebrate the Estonian Olympic Committee centennial.