Greek long jumper Miltos Tentoglou won the gold medal at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, after recording a winning jump of 8.44 meters. The national anthem was played in honor of the Greek champion as he stood on the top step of the podium to receive his medal.
Tentoglou celebrated his victory in his characteristic way, marking his fourth consecutive European title. During the award ceremony, the athlete raised four fingers to emphasize his achievement of winning four straight continental gold medals.
His streak of European long jump dominance began in Berlin in 2018. He continued the run by winning gold in Munich in 2022 and Rome in 2024, before adding his fourth consecutive title in 2026.
Following the medal presentation, Tentoglou posed for the traditional photograph alongside silver medalist Simon Ehammer and bronze medalist Bozhidar Saraboyukov. Tentoglou stuck out his tongue and smiled while posing with the second and third place finishers.
Post-race reactions and official congratulations
Reflecting on the event, Tentoglou said it was one of the most difficult finals he had competed in. After the competition, the athlete had a lighthearted reaction when he realized he had forgotten his medal, remarking that he had made a mistake.
Upon returning to the national team hotel, Tentoglou received an enthusiastic welcome from supporters and team members, who greeted him with applause, hugs, and kisses. Political leaders in Greece also issued statements praising the long jumper for his victory.
Nikos Dendias and Nikos Androulakis congratulated Tentoglou on his gold medal, saying that he made the country proud. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated the champion as well, describing Tentoglou as a permanent resident of the top rank.
Additional European athletics results in Birmingham
The European Athletics Championships in Birmingham featured other notable performances by Greek athletes. Katerina Stefanidi shared a moment on the track with her husband and son during the competition.
In swimming and athletics events, Siskos established a new Greek national record in the 200 meters backstroke. His record-breaking performance prompted an emotional reaction from his mother in the spectator stands.
European football championship results and transfers
In football news, Olympiacos were eliminated from Champions League qualification following a 2-1 loss in extra time to Nijmegen. The Greek club will move into the Europa League League Phase, having missed out on a potential playoff tie against Bodo Glimt. Olympiacos manager Jose Luis Mendilibar said the team must not lower their heads and must regroup for the start of the domestic league season.
AEK became the sole Greek club remaining in the Champions League playoffs. AEK will face Levski Sofia after the Bulgarian side defeated Kairat 1-0 in Almaty. Elsewhere, Panathinaikos secured a 2-1 extra time victory against CSKA 1948 to advance to the Conference League playoffs, where they will play either Hradec or Besiktas. Panathinaikos player Cyriel Dessers stated that the squad aimed to reach the Conference League League Phase and would keep improving.
In other sports results, AEL defeated Trikala 4-0 in the second round of the Greek Cup. In international news, football star Cristiano Ronaldo married Georgina Rodriguez in a civil ceremony in Portugal, publishing a photo of their wedding rings. Additionally, French publication L'Equipe reported that Ronaldinho is interested in purchasing the Monaco basketball team.
