Apotheosis for Karalis on his return

Emmanuel Karalis returned late Monday night to Greece with the bronze medal in his luggage. The 25-year-old athlete was welcomed by the president of SEGAS, Sofia Sakorafa, and the member of EPYA, Lula Karatza.

There was also his group, children with whom he took his first steps in sports years ago. In fact, the friends of the “bronze” world pole vault champion made a fuss and lifted the Greek champion into the air.

“I’m tired from my match yesterday, after I didn’t sleep at night, but I’m fine, I’m happy and what I want now is to rest next week and start my preparation for the open. My goal in big matches is to execute my coach’s instructions correctly.

My coach made the right decisions regarding both the poles and the uprights. So I must also congratulate my coach, Haris Karalis”, emphasized Karalis.

Upon his arrival, Karalis handed out several autographs and took pictures with people congratulating him on his success. “It’s nice to see people supporting you. So the least I have to do is give an autograph or a photo.”

Karalis also referred to his …informal rivalry with his friend and fellow athlete, Miltos Tedoglou. “I beat him this time and he said he would declare it on camera. The 8.22m achieved by Miltos corresponds to 5.72m. at stake”.

“Keep it up, you made us proud. Your fight inspired us and showed us how we should never give up”, emphasized Mrs. Sakoraffa.

Dimitris Tsiamis also returned to Athens. “It wasn’t the match I wanted. I keep the participation and proceed for the open. The team is really like a family. With most of the children we are close all year round and not only during the games. We also embrace the new kids and support them”, emphasized the 42-year-old triple jump champion.