Apostolos Siskos following European Championship Medal: "The Theotokos performed her miracle" | Orthodox Times (en)

Greek swimmer Apostolos Siskos delivered an outstanding performance at the European Championships, claiming his second medal of the competition while setting an impressive new Greek national record in the 200m backstroke with a time of 1:54.13.

Speaking to ERT after the race, Siskos expressed his emotion over the achievement and linked his success to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

“Today is the Feast of the Theotokos. Best wishes to all Greeks. She performed her miracle,” Siskos said, celebrating both his medal and the new national record.

The Greek champion also dedicated his achievement to his homeland and to the firefighters and others battling the wildfires in Greece.

“I brought this medal home for my country, for the firefighters, and for everyone fighting an incredible battle against the fires,” he said.

Siskos drew a parallel between the efforts of those on the front lines of the wildfires and the challenges faced by athletes in competition.

“They are fighting their battle, and we are fighting ours,” he added.

translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas