Honoring the Best in Rowing

The Hellenic Rowing Federation honored the top athletes of 2024 in a packed auditorium at the Hellenic Olympic Committee.

In the presence of the new EOE president, Isidoros Kouvelos, alongside politicians, representatives of the Armed Forces and the Church, as well as members of the Rowing Federation, family, and friends, all crews that excelled in World and European Championships—most notably in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—were recognized.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Greek rowing celebrated two bronze medals, won by Antonis Papakonstantinou and Petros Gaidatzis, as well as Milena Kontou and Zoe Fitsiou.

A Night of Recognition and Emotion

The event was opened and closed by the new president of EKOΦNΣ, Vasilis Polimeros, who expressed his gratitude:

“I am grateful to have stood in this hall as an athlete, an Olympian, a national team manager, and now as the head of the federation. I appreciate all those who have trusted and supported me, allowing me to continue the remarkable legacy of our sport.”

Polimeros emphasized his pride in celebrating an outstanding Olympic year, reaffirming his commitment to fostering a new sporting environment that promotes both personal and athletic growth. He highlighted the federation’s dedication to investing in the development of rowing at all levels, from grassroots to elite performance.

“We will continue to build stronger partnerships, enhance training conditions, and support not only traditional rowing but also the emerging Olympic sport of coastal rowing, which can elevate our sport to new heights, as it can be practiced on beaches and under almost any weather conditions.”

A particularly emotional moment came when a commemorative plaque was presented to Andreas Papagiannis, the husband of the late Lia Trika, who had served as the federation’s head of administrative services. The award was given by her close friend and colleague, Elena Kyriakopoulou, in a deeply moving tribute.

Greek Rowing Awards 2024

Among those honored were Greece’s Olympic medalists, with special moments shared between EOE President Isidoros Kouvelos, Milena Kontou, Zoe Fitsiou, Antonis Papakonstantinou, and Petros Gaidatzis, alongside federation president Vasilis Polimeros.