A fully Greek podium in the hammer throw at the European U23 Championships. Expected? Yes, based on performances and predictions—but still hard to believe until you see it.

And the blue-and-white podium became a reality, despite the fact that the event’s favorite, the top European hammer thrower in this category, Angelos Mantzouranis, registered three fouls—just as he did two years ago. Giorgos Papanastasiou delivered the performance of his life, and the consistent Giannis Korakidis was simply…his solid self this season, completing the podium on the second and third steps alongside the phenomenal Cypriot Iosif Kesidis. Papanastasiou threw 72.98 meters, Korakidis 72.51, while Kesidis achieved 74.87 meters, setting a new Cypriot U23 national record.

Papanastasiou made his intentions clear from the beginning, landing his best throw on his first attempt. Later, he nearly matched—or possibly surpassed—his personal best with his final attempt, but failed to stay within the throwing circle, resulting in a foul. Korakidis entered the medal zone with his fourth throw, having qualified for the top eight in fourth place.

Mantzouranis opened with a throw that would have secured gold, but the hammer landed outside the sector. His next two attempts were stopped by the net, ending his competition prematurely—despite a season in which he had shattered his own records.

A few words should also be said about the coaches behind these athletes. Giorgos Koukouvitakis made a race against time to be able to coach his athlete, who just a month ago was working hard simply to make ends meet. As for Korakidis, he dedicated his medal to Giannis Christoglou, the man who brought him up in the sport and who has been facing serious health issues over the past year.