| Born in Korytsa on October 28, 1971. He was quiet young when he decided to take up weightlifting. In April, 1991 He returned to his roots and joined Panathinaikos. In 1995, he became member of the Greek National Team where he was trained by Christos Iakovou. At the the 1995 World Championships, he won two gold medals and one bronze in the 59kg category. Three years later, in Lahti of Finland he dominated in the 62 kg category winning three gold medals. At the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, he won the silver medal. He is married and has one daughter called Anastasia (1995). He is a graduate of the training school and Lieutenant in the Greek Airforce. In 1998, he was elected best athlete of the year by the Greek sports journalists. |
Greece