Emmanuel Karalis achieved a remarkable feat by winning the bronze medal in the pole vault final at the 2024 Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.
Karalis cleared 5.90 meters on his first attempt, securing Greece's sixth medal in Paris.
From the outset, Karalis showcased his determination to earn a medal, clearing 5.50m and 5.70m with ease and flair. At 5.80m, he remained in the top spot as 11 of the 12 finalists continued.
The competition intensified at 5.85m, where Karalis succeeded on his first attempt, along with competitors Armand Duplantis and Sam Kendricks.
The field narrowed further at 5.90m, with seven athletes remaining.
Karalis once again cleared this height on his first try, maintaining his position among the leaders. He faced his first failed attempt at 5.95m, a height that Duplantis and Kendricks cleared on their first attempts, increasing the pressure.
Strategically, Karalis opted to skip the 5.95m height to conserve his attempts for 6.00m. This decision paid off as Obiena failed to clear the bar, securing Karalis a podium finish. With the pressure of securing a medal lifted, Karalis relaxed and concluded his competition with the bronze.
Armand Duplantis won the gold medal, setting a world record with a jump of 6.25m, while Sam Kendricks claimed silver. Karalis's bronze medal is his first Olympic accolade and the 31st medal for Greek athletics in the history of the Olympic Games, bringing Greece's total medal count to 128.