Spyros Monastiriotis of the Nautical Athletic Club of Artemis–Spata won the silver medal in the Techno 293 U17 boys' category at the 2026 European Championship, completing 14 races with four victories and 60 net points—just two points behind the winner.
The major event was held from July 18 to 25, 2026, in Sopot, Poland, in the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk, featuring approximately 280 athletes from more than 20 national teams.
He arrived at the competition narrowly, after a week with a fever
Spyros' mere presence at the event was a major victory in itself. The NOAS athlete had been suffering from a fever for an entire week and was undergoing antibiotic treatment. His participation remained uncertain until the very last moment, and he eventually managed to depart for Poland at the last minute, without the preparation required for a competition of this level.
Despite his recent health ordeal and physical exhaustion, he stood at the starting line determined to compete. With mental strength, competitive character, and immense willpower, he not only completed the championship but challenged for the European title until the very last race.
A leader until the final race
Spyros put in an impressive series of performances in the highly competitive fleet of 56 athletes in the Techno 293 U17 boys' category. Across 14 races, he secured four victories and remained at the top of the overall standings until the final race.
There, the European title was decided by the narrowest of margins. The NOAS athlete finished the event in second place with 60 net points, just two behind the winner. Fellow Greek Evangelos Kyriazakos was crowned European Champion with 58 points, while the bronze medal was claimed by Italy's Francesco Cao with 62.2 points.
The top five of the U17 boys' category
- Evangelos Kyriazakos – Greece, 58 points
- Spyros Monastiriotis – Greece, 60 points
- Francesco Cao – Italy, 62.2 points
- Orestis Nikolaos Palamidis – Greece, 64 points
- Georgios Kanellopoulos – Greece, 96.5 points
The presence of four Greek athletes in the top five confirmed the high level of Greek windsurfing and the potential of the new generation of the sport.
A medal of special value
The European silver medal holds particular significance, as it was won under extremely difficult conditions. Without having had time to fully recover his strength after his week-long illness, Spyros remained competitive throughout the championship.
He approached every race with maturity, persistence, and a clear mind, fighting for the lead until the end. The second-place finish is not just another major sporting distinction. It is a testament to the strength, self-sacrifice, and character of an athlete who refused to give up the effort, even when the odds were against him.
This silver medal shines like gold, because it was won with heart, persistence, and belief until the final race.
Second international silver medal in 2026
This European success adds to an already exceptional competitive year. In April 2026, Spyros had won second place at the Techno 293 World Championship in Foça, Turkey.
Within a few months, therefore, he has stood on the second step of both the world and European podiums. These two consecutive international distinctions are the result of his consistency, competitive maturity, and the systematic effort he has put in over all these years.
See also Spyros Monastiriotis' career and international achievements on the NOAS Wall of Fame.
Greek dominance in Sopot
The Greek team had an impressive overall performance in Poland. In addition to the gold and silver medals in the U17 boys' class, Kyriaki Zerva won the European title in the U17 girls' category, with Evgenia-Yvonne Gennimata finishing second.
In the Techno 293 Plus men's category, Panagiotis Ioannou reached the top step of the podium, while in the women's event, Evangelia-Anna Georgatou secured second place. These successes established Greece as one of the strongest powers in the competition.
Congratulations from the NOAS family
The President, the Board of Directors, and the entire family of the Nautical Athletic Club of Artemis–Spata express their warmest congratulations to Spyros Monastiriotis for winning the European silver medal and, above all, for the ethos, strength, and fighting spirit he displayed.
Warm congratulations also go to his family, his coaches, and everyone who stands by him daily and supports his athletic journey.
Spyros, you have made us proud once again!
