Lefteris Petrounias is set to make history on Friday afternoon (August 21) at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb, as the Greek champion returns to Arena Zagreb for the rings final.
The “master of the rings” delivered an outstanding performance in the qualifying round, scoring 14.400 points—5.600 for difficulty and 8.800 for execution. Despite a minor mistake on his dismount, his performance was enough to earn him the second-highest score and, of course, a spot in the grand final.
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Now, the 35-year-old Olympic champion faces yet another major challenge in his illustrious career. On Friday (August 21, 7:00 p.m.), he will compete for the ninth European gold medal of his career on the rings, while also seeking to extend a unique record, as no other athlete has ever achieved such a feat.
Petrounias has already made his mark on the competition, having won seven gold medals on the rings and a total of ten medals at European Championships. In fact, 2026 will mark 15 years since he won the first European medal of his career, which he claimed in 2011.
He makes no secret of the fact that he has set a specific goal for the finale of his career. “I’m going for the ninth. I’ve said that I want to end my career with eleven,” he has stated, showing that his thirst for new achievements remains undiminished.
With the vast experience, consistency, and quality that define him, the Greek champion is preparing for yet another performance that could add a new golden chapter to his already legendary European career.
The event is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The “lord of the rings” returns to the Arena Zagreb, aiming to climb back to the top of Europe.
*photo source: KYPE
