Miltos Tentoglou won the long jump gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, securing his fourth consecutive outdoor title before forgetting his medal.
The Olympic champion achieved a winning jump of 8.44 meters to dominate the final. After the competition ended, the Greek athlete wrapped himself in the Greek national flag to celebrate his victory.
During post-competition statements, reporters asked Tentoglou about the medal handed out by tournament organizers. The athlete realized at that moment that he was not wearing it.
Tentoglou explained that organizers had handed over the medal, but he had taken it off, left it behind, and made a mistake. He immediately walked away from the interview area to retrieve his missing award.
Historic European Title Streak
The victory marks the fourth consecutive time Tentoglou has won the European outdoor long jump championship. He is the first man in athletics history to win four outdoor European titles in the event.
Tentoglou controlled the final so comfortably that he passed on his fifth and sixth attempts. The performances of second-placed jumper Simon Ehammer posed no threat to his lead.
The gold medal brings Tentoglou to a total of 12 gold medals and 13 overall medals in major international competitions throughout his career. He later described the contest as one of the most difficult finals he had competed in.
National Praise and Celebrations
Following the final, the official ceremony took place in Birmingham, where Tentoglou received his gold medal as the Greek national anthem played across the stadium.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Tentoglou publicly, calling the jumper a permanent resident at the top. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis also extended congratulations, stating that Tentoglou makes the country proud.
The celebrations continued after Tentoglou returned to the Greek national team hotel, where teammates and staff greeted the champion with applause, hugs, and kisses.
