Maria Prevolaraki, Greece’s most celebrated wrestler, made history at the European Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, clinching her first-ever gold medal in the 53kg category.
The 33-year-old athlete’s triumph marked her ninth medal in the competition, solidifying her legacy as a titan of Greek wrestling.
In a thrilling final, Prevolaraki defeated Romania’s reigning champion, Andrea Beatrice Ana, with a tight 4-3 score. Overcome with emotion, she stood atop the podium as Greece’s national anthem echoed through the arena, a moment that capped a 13-year quest for European gold. This victory was Greece’s second gold medal of the championships, following Dauren Kurugliev’s earlier success.
Competing in her fifth European Championship final, Prevolaraki was determined to seize the opportunity. With eight prior medals—four silver and four bronze—she entered Bratislava ranked third globally in her weight class. Her path to the final showcased her dominance: she started with two wins in the preliminary rounds, followed by a 5-0 victory over Belarus’ Viyaleta Rebykava Shiryk (world No. 10) in the quarterfinals, and a commanding 12-4 win against Turkey’s Zeynep Yetgil (world No. 2) in the semifinals.
Facing the world’s top-ranked wrestler, Ana, in the final, Prevolaraki delivered a masterful performance, securing the one prize that had eluded her. “This gold medal is a dream come true,” she said, reflecting on a career that has now reached new heights.
Prevolaraki’s victory not only elevates Greek wrestling but also inspires a nation, proving that perseverance and skill can conquer even the toughest challenges.