Greek pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis made history for Greece after winning the gold medal alongside Menno Vloon at the European Indoor Athletics Championships, earning the country its only medal at the event.
The Olympic bronze medallist earned the gold with Vloon at the Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, on Sunday (9 March) after both cleared 5.90 metres (having recorded identical attempts throughout the event).
Karalis became the first Greek to win a gold medal in pole vault at the European Indoor Athletics Championships, adding another accolade to his stellar career thus far.
The Greek athlete had secured his spot in the final after clearing 5.65m and 5.75m with just two jumps, continuing that strong form on Sunday by successfully clearing 5.60m and then 5.80m.
The pole vaulter navigated challenges with the 5.85m after failing in his first two attempts before passing it on the third, and he followed it up with a successful clearance of the 5.90m at the first time of asking.
Both Karalis and his Dutch competitor failed to pass 5.95m from their three attempts, though Sondre Guttormsen’s failure to clear 6.00m allowed them the chance to share the gold.
The honour adds to Karalis’ productive 2025 season, having earlier posted a personal best jump of 6.02m on 28 February.
With AMNA
