Apostolos Christou Wins Historic Silver Medal In Paris 2024
- by XpatAthens
- Thursday, 01 August 2024
Greek swimmer Apostolos Christou made history on Thursday by winning the silver medal in the men's 200m backstroke at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Christou’s remarkable performance set a new national record with a time of 1:54.82, securing Greece’s first Olympic medal in pool swimming in 128 years.
Breaking a 128-Year Drought
Christou’s silver marks a monumental achievement for Greece, as the previous seven swimming medals were all earned at the 1896 Athens Olympic Games. The most recent honor before Christou's victory was an open water silver medal by Spyridon Gianniotis at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
A Stellar 2024 for Christou
The 27-year-old swimmer has had an impressive year. His journey began with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the Doha World Championships in February. He continued to shine at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, where he clinched gold in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events and contributed to the Greek men's 4x100m freestyle relay team, which won bronze.
A Historic Day
Christou dedicated his silver medal to his family, calling Thursday the best day of his life. His performance not only brought pride to Greece but also highlighted his remarkable talent and determination.
Greece's Success in Paris
Christou’s achievement follows another significant win for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, July 31st, judoka Thodoris Tselidis secured a bronze medal in the men’s -90kg weight class, earning Greece its first medal of the Games.
Final Standings in the 200m Backstroke
Gold: Hubert Kos (Hungary) – 1:54.26
Silver: Apostolos Christou (Greece) – 1:54.82
Bronze: Roman Mityukov (Switzerland) – 1:54.85
Apostolos Christou’s silver medal is a historic milestone for Greek swimming, marking a triumphant return to the Olympic podium after more than a century.
A Stellar 2024 for Christou
The 27-year-old swimmer has had an impressive year. His journey began with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the Doha World Championships in February. He continued to shine at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, where he clinched gold in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events and contributed to the Greek men's 4x100m freestyle relay team, which won bronze.
A Historic Day
Christou dedicated his silver medal to his family, calling Thursday the best day of his life. His performance not only brought pride to Greece but also highlighted his remarkable talent and determination.
Greece's Success in Paris
Christou’s achievement follows another significant win for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, July 31st, judoka Thodoris Tselidis secured a bronze medal in the men’s -90kg weight class, earning Greece its first medal of the Games.
Final Standings in the 200m Backstroke
Gold: Hubert Kos (Hungary) – 1:54.26
Silver: Apostolos Christou (Greece) – 1:54.82
Bronze: Roman Mityukov (Switzerland) – 1:54.85
Apostolos Christou’s silver medal is a historic milestone for Greek swimming, marking a triumphant return to the Olympic podium after more than a century.