It was shocking Panagiotis Bitados in the triathlon of the European Games “Krakow – Małopolska 2023”.
The 19-year-old athlete from Mytilini captured the 5th place in 1:46:57just seven centimeters behind gold medalist Bargsvik of Norway.
It is the best placing by a Greek athlete in a top international triathlon competition with Bitados achieving it at the age of 19.
He said after the termination: “I am very happy with my result, I still don’t understand what I have done. I was ahead in the swim, I kept the first place in the bike too, I was careful to avoid injuries and nothing unforeseen happens as we are also chasing the Olympics. During the run I increased my pace every kilometer, I felt good and in the end I did my best. One position is too good for me. I thank all of Greece for supporting me, I also thank the President of the EOE Spyros Kapralos for helping me to be here, but also in other games so that my dream of going to the Olympics can come true“, said Bitados.
Spyros Kapralos who watched his match, after congratulating him said: “I had heard a lot about Bitados, but when you see him compete you understand what a great talent he is and how much he was wronged all these years when the sport unfortunately did not help him at all due to administrative upheavals. The Hellenic Olympic Committee will be at his side, to make the dream come true. We want him at the Olympics“, said Mr. Kapralos.
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