Katerina Stefanidi and Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou set new records at the Women’s Pole Vault final at the European Athletics Championship which took place in Berlin on Thursday.
This was the first time that two Greek athletes got first and second place in the same sport in championship history.
Greece’s athletes took home gold and silver, respectively.
The two athletes went toe-to-toe for first place with both scoring a high score of 4.80.
Stefanidi, who holds the pole vault European, title missed her first attempt of a 4.85 meters jump to break ahead of Kyriakopoulou to take first place. Her second attempt she succeeded, setting a new championship record of 4.85 meters.
Scoring her season best, Kyriakopoulou took silver with her 4.80 meters jump.
Eleni Polak also represented Greece in Women’s Pole Vault final, but did not take home a metal.
This was the first time that three athletes in the same sports category represented Greece in a final.
Politicians have been lining up to congratulate the two pole vaulters.
“With your new prestigious European distinction, you wholeheartedly confirm your position at the top of world athletics,” said President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
“Greece’s successes in the European track and field championship again brings a smile to everyone’s face,” tweeted Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
“The achievement of the two medals proves that talent, the competitive ethos, determination, hard work, consistency and determination are rewarded,” said Parliament Speaker Nikos Voutsis.
The women’s victory had “elevated Greece to the position it deserves. You have made us proud again,” tweeted New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
