Ioulianna Roussou delivered a spectacular performance at the World U20 Championships in Oregon, winning the silver medal in the 800m with a time of 2:03.08.

Roussou, coached by Dimitris Platis, realized that the race pace was slow and that this would favor Ziva Remitc in the final meters. With around 300 meters to go, she decided to move into the lead and set the pace herself.

The decision proved to be the right one. The Greek athlete maintained the lead and entered the final straight determined to fight for gold.

However, Remitc, who had been expected to excel in the final sprint, managed to cross the finish line first, stopping the clock at 2:03.03.

Just five hundredths of a second behind her, Roussou finished in 2:03.08 to claim the silver medal.

Britain’s Shakir King took the bronze in 2:03.52.

A Historic Medal for Greece

Roussou’s achievement is particularly significant for Greece.

It is the second medal won by the Greek delegation at this year’s championships, but also only the second medal in Greek history in the 800m at the World U20 Championships.

The previous one came in 2021 in Nairobi, when Elli Deligianni won the bronze medal.

The entire Greek delegation witnessed the historic moment from the stadium stands, celebrating the success of the 18-year-old athlete.

For Roussou, the silver medal provides the perfect ending to an impressive season. She has excelled in both outdoor and indoor athletics, setting Greek national records and recording major performances over distances ranging from 800m to 3,000m.

The Greek champion appeared deeply emotional and delighted in her first comments after winning the silver medal.

Roussou dedicated her medal to her coach and everyone who supported her throughout the year, which she described as a difficult one.