Greek Weightlifting Prodigy Maria Stratoudaki Makes History

Seventeen-year-old Maria Stratoudaki delivered a stunning performance at the European Youth and U23 Weightlifting Championships in Albania, capturing two silver medals, one bronze, and setting three new European youth records.

Competing in the women’s 53kg category, the rising Greek star lifted 82kg in the snatch to claim bronze, and an impressive 101kg in the clean and jerk, for a total of 183kg — earning two silvers overall. Each of her lifts set new European youth records, surpassing her own marks from the European Girls’ Championships in Madrid last July.

Stratoudaki, representing Krateros Chania, began strongly with 78kg in the snatch, missed 81kg, but successfully lifted 82kg. In the clean and jerk, she completed lifts at 98kg and 101kg before narrowly missing 105kg.

All three of her results are also new Greek national records, reinforcing her position as one of the brightest talents in Greek sport.

“The outstanding performance of Maria filled us with joy and hope for the future, especially on our National Day,” said Theano Zagkliveri, President of the Hellenic Weightlifting Federation. “We are extremely proud of her and her coaches for these three medals, which prove that the future of Greek weightlifting is truly bright.”