Emmanuel Karalis: Flitzte mit dem ersten Versuchsversuch 5,60 m und ins Finale der Europameisterschaft.

Emmanouil Kalavilis did exactly what was needed in the qualifying round of the pole vault and, with a jump of 5.60 m, secured his place in the final of the European Championship in Birmingham with characteristic ease. The Greek champion began the competition at 5.60 m, choosing to skip 5.25 m and 5.40 m. His decision was fully vindicated, as he cleared his first height on the first attempt with a clean and very good jump. Manolo did not need to be pressed further, as that jump was enough to grant him a ticket to the big final. In fact, he was one of only four athletes to clear 5.60 m on the first attempt, alongside Armant Duplanitis, Bo Kandá Lita Baere, and Yilio Filthens. Now Kalavi turns his attention to the final, where he will bid for a return to the European podium, two years after the silver medal he earned in Rome. The 5.60 m proved a difficult height for many athletes, with only ten ultimately managing to clear it. Among those who said goodbye to the competition early were Tibo Kole, who had three unsuccessful attempts at 5.60 m, and Ersu Sasma, who failed three times at 5.45 m. The second Greek finalist in the qualifying round, Yiannis Rizos, also missed the final. The 25-year-old athlete had three no-events at 5.25 m and failed to record a mark, thus suffering the same exclusion as he did at the Rome European Championship in 2024. Read More