Stefanos Ntouskos won the gold medal at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai.

In a thrilling final, Ntouskos managed to finish first and climb to the top of the podium.

The Greek champion crossed the finish line with a time of 06:36.75. The 28-year-old celebrated the only medal missing from his collection. Behind him came the outgoing world champion, German rower Oliver Zeidler, while the bronze went to Yauheni Zalaty.

Ntouskos claimed the gold by starting the race strongly, managing his energy throughout, and launching his final attack in the last meters.

“The race went perfectly. It’s unbelievable. I really wanted this medal, I put my whole soul into winning it,” were the first words of the Greek champion after the golden race.