World champion and Olympic gold medallist Lefteris Petrounias, known as “Lord of the Rings”, underwent surgery to his left shoulder in Annecy, France, on Monday to correct a problem with his tendon that has troubled him for some months.
The surgery was held in the morning and the Greek champion will remain in the Annecy General Clinic for 24 hours. Petrounias, who won the gold medal on Friday at the World Championship in Doha, will stay in France for a couple of days for the doctors to monitor his post-op course and return to Athens by the end of the week.
According to the rehab programme, the 27-year-old athlete will start full training in three months, while he will be ready to compete again in five months.
“Everything went well, I’m still anxious as I have to finish rehabilitation successfully but I hope I will be back to my training again soon. The love and strength you guys gave me to win gold again a few days ago will be my strength to recovery,” the elite gymnast said.
“I thank my doctor, Odysseas Paxinos, who has been next to me from the very first moment, Dr. Lafosse with his medical staff who took care of me and made me feel safe. I also thank the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation, who took care of everything. I thank each one of you for the courage you give me,” added Petrounias.
