Emotional were the first words of Emmanuel Karalis after his pole vault victory at the 2024 Olympic Games.
In particular, after the end of the final and after the pulses had dropped, Karalis told ERT about his victory and the difficulties he went through all these years: from racism and injuries to depression. And he sent a strong message of life...
"Difficulties, depression, racism made me who I am now"
"Now that I've calmed down, I think about what I've been through as an athlete, as a person. The difficulties, the depression, the racism, the injuries. I can say that all these made me the person I am now. Strong, confident, a third Olympian. I'm not an expert, I get through moments, I'll have good ones and bad ones. I'm 24. What I want to tell the young kids is to believe in their dreams. This world is very difficult, but with persistence and patience, with faith in yourself, you will do things.
I want to enjoy the race, I want to enter with my heart and soul. I wanted a medal, I had told my family. I believed it and when you see your people around you believing in you, everything becomes real. I succeeded, I cried with my parents, I thanked them for the faith and for the energy they have given me all these years. I haven't figured it out yet, I haven't figured out what I've done, as soon as I go to the Olympic Village they'll let me figure it out.
I wanted to leave 5.95, I said to go all out, to try at six meters. When I was told I was third, I was excited, but I had to do the jumps for the silver medal. I want to see the six meters, I will do it soon, this year or next year. It is in the immediate plans of me and my coaches. This medal motivates me to do even more. If you jump six meters, you enter the Pantheon. It's something historical. I'm ready. I know I will, I'm 100% sure. Everything is a matter of time, energy, conditions, everything should be fine.
Thank you all very much. Not just for me, for all the athletes we are over 100 in the Olympics. It is something very difficult to get here, for all Greeks to be one. Please continue to support the efforts of the athletes, we expect more medals. The love I have received from the world does not exist, I thank everyone very much."
Source: ethnos.gr