There are moments in sports that remain indelible in the memory of a nation. Stefanos Ntouskos is living such moments and generously offering them to Greece. From his triumph in Tokyo to his crowning achievement in Shanghai, his journey proves that when a dream is combined with dedication and soul, it can become reality.
From Ioannina to the Top
Stefanos Ntouskos was born in 1997 in Ioannina, a city that lives and breathes by Lake Pamvotida. That is where he took his first steps in sports, and very early he was drawn to rowing. For him, the connection with water was not just a sport; it was a daily struggle with himself, a battle of endurance and discipline. His first coaches quickly realized he had the rare mix of physical ability and mental strength needed to go far.
In his early years he competed in smaller international events, gaining experience and gradually building his confidence. His rise was not sudden; it was the result of sweat, sacrifice, and persistence. Training on the waters of Pamvotida became a way of life, teaching him that nothing is handed out and everything must be earned.
Tokyo Olympics: The First Summit
In 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, Stefanos Ntouskos made history. With a breathtaking performance in the men’s single sculls, he claimed the gold medal — the first ever for Greece in that event. The whole country watched as he crossed the finish line first, defeating athletes with far greater resources and infrastructures behind them.
That moment marked the peak of the first chapter of his career. For him, however, it was not the end but the beginning of a new and even more demanding path. He knew that from then on expectations would be high and responsibility even greater.
Shanghai 2025: The Crowning Glory
Four years after Tokyo, Stefanos Ntouskos won the gold medal at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, achieving the greatest distinction that was missing from his collection. With a time of 6:36.75, he finished ahead of the favorites, proving that Greece can stand tall against the powerhouses of the sport.
His race was a masterpiece: a controlled start, steady rhythm in the middle, and a final burst in the closing meters that carried him to the top of the world. This gold was Greece’s first ever in men’s single sculls at a World Championship and the natural continuation of his dedicated journey.
“What Matters is the Greek Soul”
After the finish, visibly moved, Stefanos Ntouskos spoke from the heart:
“It’s unbelievable, I really wanted this medal, I put my entire soul into winning it. This is for Greece and for all Greeks.”
He also wanted to send a message to the younger generation:
“I hope to be an example. We may be a small country and others may look like giants, but in the end what matters is the Greek soul.”
At his side in this career-defining moment was his fiancée, Olympic rower Evangelia Anastasiadou, adding an even more human dimension to his victory.
The Man Behind the Champion
What makes Ntouskos stand out is not only his victories, but his character. Humble, focused, and hardworking, he avoids big words and stays devoted to his goal. From a young age he learned to let actions speak louder than words.
Those who know him describe an athlete who never forgets his roots and who carries with him the images of Lake Pamvotida and his first steps. He has often stated that everything he has achieved he owes to faith, perseverance, and the support of those around him.
The Journey Continues
With gold in Shanghai, Stefanos Ntouskos has now completed the collection of the greatest titles: Olympic Champion and World Champion. Yet his journey does not end here. He is already looking ahead, with the great goal of the Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon.
And if one thing is certain, it is that every time he enters the water, he will carry not only his personal ambition but also the faith of an entire nation that dreams, no matter how difficult, can indeed become reality.