An elevated runway, fifty meters of approach, then the jump. Higher and higher—symbolically soaring over a border that no longer exists: the one between Gorizia and Nova Gorica, united in 2025 as the European Capital of Culture. 

On Friday, July 25, 2025, in Piazza Transalpina/Trg Evrope, the event “Jumping Overcoming Boundaries” brought the spectacle of pole vaulting to the urban heart of the two cities, with over a thousand spectators surrounding a competition full of meaning. 

Ten international athletes competed in an event that showcased not only strength and technique but also the message of a Europe without borders. In the women’s competition, Italian athlete Elisa Molinarolo triumphed with a 4.60-meter jump, ahead of Slovenia’s Tina Šutej, in a symbolic Italy–Slovenia face-off. Olympic gold medalist Katie Moon of the United States finished fifth with a jump of 4.40 meters. 

In the men’s competition, Poland’s Piotr Lisek claimed victory with a 5.72-meter jump, followed by Dutchman Menno Vloon and Frenchman Mathieu Collet. 

Organized by Libertas Udine for the FVG Regional Committee of CONI and supported by the Region, the event was part of the GO! 2025 program, symbolizing the strong connection between sport, culture, and the territory.